Michael Daley says he intends to remain as the leader of the NSW Labor party despite losing the state election.
Just before 10pm on Saturday, Mr Daley conceded defeat after calling Premier Gladys Berejiklian to congratulate her.
The Coalition has returned for a third term in office, and it is believed they will form a majority government.
Michael Daley (pictured) says he intends to remain as leader of the NSW Labor party despite losing the state election
More than 1.3 million people cast their vote in what was tipped to be one of the closest elections in decades, but in the end the Coalition led the way.
Labor needed 13 seats to assume the upper hand, but so far they have only picked up one seat, while surprising minority parties have secured seats.
The results were no doubt influenced by the public's fury to former NSW premier Mike Baird’s contentious lockout laws, which led to an entire party being set up to fight for Sydney's dwindling nightlife.
With his wife Christina by his side, Mr Daley thanked his family, candidates, the party, and the 22,000 volunteers, who he referred to as 'beautiful people in red T-shirts'.
'Thank you so much, you can hold your head high - as can our party,' he said.
Mr Daley said despite the disappointing result, he would continue on as NSW Labor leader to a cheering crowd of about 200 at Coogee Bay Hotel.
'Sometimes we win them, and sometimes we lose them,' he said.
'But one thing never changes - our passion, our belief and our mission to make NSW and Australia a better place, and that is what we will continue to do.'
Mr Daley became leader 134 days ago following the forced resignation of Luke Foley and said there wasn't enough time to cut through to the electorate.
'It just wasn't long enough. But I can tell you that it is my intention to remain the leader of the party,' he told the Labor function in conceding defeat.
The Labor leader had always likened his chances in the election as climbing Mount Everest and on Saturday admitted he was up against an 'enormous machine'.
But, he later
