Ross wins Botany seat for National

John Key celebrates with Parliament's newest MP, Jami-Lee Ross. Photo / Michael Craig

Jami-Lee Ross celebrated victory for National in the Botany byelection with Prime Minister John Key last night.

Ross polled 8150 votes or 56.7 per cent of the turnout. Labour Party candidate Michael Wood was runner-up with 4154 votes (27.9 per cent) and Paul Young of the New Citizens Party was third with 1572 (10.5 per cent).

Turnout was low, about 36.5 per cent.

The byelection was called to find a replacement for National MP Pansy Wong, who resigned after criticism of her use of the international travel subsidy.

Ross, 25, becomes the youngest current MP. He was voted into the Auckland Council last year but left to campaign for the Botany seat.

First elected to the Manukau City Council in 2004, Mr Ross was returned in 2007.

Ross said he wanted to bring "young blood" and "a strong voice for Botany" to Parliament, with a focus on law and order and the economy.

His wife Lucy and grandmother were also at last night's celebration.