The by-election saw the National Party retain the seat with an increased margin, electing candidate Darren Chester.

At the 2007 federal election, the opposition Labor Party defeated the incumbent Liberal-National coalition government.

On 4 April 2008, McGauran became the first former Howard government minister returned at the 2007 election to announce his resignation.

At the 2007 election, McGauran won the seat for the National Party by a two-party preferred margin of 55.91% to Labor's 44.09%.

However, the idea was rejected by both party organisations, and it is doubtful whether Heffernan had the authority to make such an offer.