NSW election: Labor favoured to win as leader Chris Minns declares a ‘mood for change’ across state

Labor faces a difficult electoral map, requiring an additional nine seats to sweep the Coalition from power in its last stronghold on mainland Australia

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The New South Wales Labor party believes it will end its 12-year stint in the electoral wilderness on Saturday, pinning its hopes on the 43-year-old former firefighter and political staffer Chris Minns to return it to government after a gruelling three-month campaign.

But while the polls have consistently pointed to a Labor victory, the party still faces a daunting electoral map: it must pick up nine seats to govern in its own right, meaning a uniform swing of about 6.5% is required.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup