Labor has slipped ahead of the Coalition in the final outstanding federal seat of Herbert after a preference counting error was found. If the final recount ends with Labor ahead, it is likely the LNP will launch action in the Court of Disputed Returns. At 4pm, eastern time, on Monday, Labor’s Cathy O’Toole was 31 votes ahead of the sitting Liberal National party MP, Ewen Jones. Related: Herbert nailbiter: Labor asks for George Brandis to cease vote scrutinyLNP scrutineers have asked to see declaration vote envelopes but the AEC has objected. Related: Herbert cliffhanger: why Queensland marginals hold the key to Labor's fate in 2019If the Coalition can retain Herbert, the Turnbull government will have 77 seats in the 150-seat parliament.

Source: The Guardian July 25, 2016 08:47 UTC