![CHEERING: Barnaby Joyce enjoys a drink after declaring victory in New England for a third term. Photo: Gareth Gardner 180519GGD08 CHEERING: Barnaby Joyce enjoys a drink after declaring victory in New England for a third term. Photo: Gareth Gardner 180519GGD08](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/pMXRnDj3SUU44AkPpn97sC/2a6a97de-2416-49f5-9aeb-52adeea71e67.jpg/r0_0_4530_3211_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
UPDATE: Barnaby Joyce has been re-elected in the seat of New England for a third term.
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The Nationals candidate stormed out to an early lead in the election and he declared victory about two hours after the polls closed.
Mr Joyce secured about 52 per cent of the first preference votes as well as a small 1.7 per cent swing in his favour.
Independent competitor Adam Blakester received about 16 per cent of the vote.
EARLIER:All eight candidates for the seat of New England have put their case forward and now the residents will choose who will represent the electorate.
Today - Saturday, May 18 - Australians will vote in the 2019 federal election and we'll have journalists on the ground right across New England.
Our journalists will be bringing you updates throughout the day.
![Election 2019: Barnaby Joyce declares victory in New England Election 2019: Barnaby Joyce declares victory in New England](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JJAXMCtTuAnFPeUKCfF8jc/04df63ab-1989-4130-8c62-3bfa08556587.PNG/r0_0_1456_983_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
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