The Nationals have lost the federal seat of Lyne on the New South Wales mid north coast, suffering a punishing defeat at the hands of independent candidate Rob Oakeshott.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile.
Rob Oakeshott successfully made the switch from state to federal politics claiming more than 64 per cent of the primary vote.
His Nationals opponent, Rob Drew, managed just 22 per cent.
Mr Oakeshott will begin his career in the federal parliament as one of three independents in the lower house, while the Nationals’ representation in that chamber has now fallen to nine.
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