Labor candidate Mike Kelly claims win in bellwether NSW seat of Eden-Monaro

Labor has claimed the nation's ultimate bellwether seat of Eden-Monaro, with Mike Kelly returning to parliament after a three-year absence.

If the Coalition wins the election, it will be the first time Eden-Monaro was not held by the government since 1972.

Mr Kelly, who was a frontbencher in the previous Labor government before losing his seat to Peter Hendy, told supporters the campaign was won by reaching out far and wide across the community.

"We were in touch," he said.

He also heaped praise on Labor leader Bill Shorten, calling for him to be retained as leader.

It comes amid speculation he could be challenged if the opposition loses the election.

"Bill provided the lightning rod, the leadership, the drive, the commitment, the will, the belief.

"He is a fine leader in the tradition of Bob Hawke and we need to hang on to Bill to continue to lead us in the future - he deserves that opportunity."

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