''I congratulate Jodie on her victory and look forward to working with her and all councillors for the residents of Lake Macquarie over the next term of council,'' Cr Harrison said.

 “I thank the people of West Ward who have supported me and look forward to representing them again for the next four years.''

Cr Harrison's fellow Lake Alliance candidate, Rosmairi Okeno, appears poised to gain the fourth West Ward position.

This would ensure that the council was not controlled by Labor, Cr Harrison said. 

 “My position is, and always has been, to maintain a council which is not dominated or controlled by a political party, and I am pleased with that outcome” Cr Harrrison said.

 Cr Wendy Harrison said a number of factors had worked against her and other independent Lake Alliance candidates in the election.

 “The negative campaign run by a new independent group, Back 2 Basics probably took about 8 per cent of votes from the Alliance,” she said.

 “And the rate rise which, despite being unanimously supported by all councillors, was largely attributed to the independent Alliance. Nevertheless, I stand by that decision which ensures financial sustainability for Lake Macquarie Council into the foreseeable future.”

 Cr Harrison said the swing to Labor was the result of a well resourced campaign which is part of a rebuilding strategy for the party at the “grass roots” level, in what has traditionally been a Labor heartland.