Jamie Chaffey is the newly elected Member for Parkes - this is how it all unfolded

Jamie Chaffey, The Nationals Candidate for Parkes, started election day at the most southern booth in the seat of Parkes, Barmedman, before travelling to Dubbo to cast his vote, with his wife Judy. Mr Chaffey then made his way to Gunnedah, dropping into as many booths as time would allow including Mendooran Central School, Coonabarabran High School, and Mullaley Primary School, before finishing at the Gunnedah PCYC. 

Mr Chaffey was joined by his wife Judy, their four children, their partners and grandchildren, Mark and Robyn Coulton, and loyal supporters to watch the results come in at a function in Gunnedah. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the Parkes electorate," Mr Chaffey said.

"Over the last nine months of the campaign I have met so many incredible people, and I would like to thank everyone who gave me their vote and supported me during the campaign.

"This includes Mark and Robyn Coulton, and we thank them for their tireless service over the last 17 years for the Parkes electorate."

Mark Coulton held the seat for the past 17 years, on behalf of the Nationals, but did not seek re-election, instead throwing his support behind the Chaffey campaign.

Mr Coulton made a symbolic presentation of his collection of ties from across the electorate, to Mr Chaffey.

"To the other candidates, thank you for putting your hand up for your community and your nation.

"We may have different ideas, but I do believe we are all just trying to make our country a better place for future generations.

"Once the polls are declared I will get to work to fight for every single person in the Parkes electorate to make our area an even better place to live," Mr Chaffey said.

"Although we have had the result we hoped for in Parkes, it has been a disappointing result overall, and I'm concerned for what that will mean for our country.

"But there is no doubt we still live in the best country in the world and I'm incredibly honoured to be entrusted with this great opportunity to represent the people of the Parkes electorate," Mr Chaffey said.