The Nationals’ victory in Upper Hunter byelection may owe more to Berejiklian and Hanson than John Barilaro | Anne Davies

More Labor voters prefer the premier than Jodi McKay, while One Nation's spirited campaign in the NSW seat doomed Shooters, Fishers and Farmers to electoral failure

New South Wales Nationals leader John Barilaro has proclaimed the Nationals are back" and all but declared victory for Dave Layzell in the coalmining and rural seat of Upper Hunter - but he should probably be thanking One Nation.

For Labor too there will be some soul-searching and pressure on opposition leader, Jodi McKay, to consider her future. Speaking on Sunday afternoon, McKay said she was devastated" that people did not vote for Labor and that the party was shocked that it had failed to connect" with the voters of the Upper Hunter.