Wollongong Labor MP Noreen Hay has survived the biggest threat to her political career, claiming victory over independent Gordon Bradbery last night.At the time of going to press, Ms Hay led her rival by just 650 votes - or nine busloads of Gong Shuttle passengers.Surrounded by family at her Crown St electorate office, Ms Hay thanked electors for granting her another four years in office."I want to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Wollongong for showing confidence in returning me to State Parliament as their representative," she said."The electorate has certainly sent a message to the Labor Party in this election and I have heard that message."But Ms Hay has not emerged from the electoral rout unscathed.The 25.3 per cent margin she won in 2007 has crumbled to about 1 per cent, turning what was once safe Labor territory into one of its most tenuous seats.But Ms Hay insisted she received "overwhelming" support on the primary vote, and a mandate to fight the new Coalition government."That was the point I made [throughout the campaign]," she said. "If [Premier Barry] O'Farrell took government with a large majority, we needed someone who knows the process and would do what it takes to protect the area."As to the lessons of the election, Ms Hay said: "[Voters] want change, and different behaviour from what was the Labor government and its ministers."Mr Bradbery conceded defeat last night, saying Ms Hay was firmly on notice."It's obvious that Wollongong can no longer be taken for granted. It's now vulnerable and I now expect Ms Hay to perform," he said. "As a person who has never stood for public office before, I've achieved something beyond my wildest dreams."Labor's win will allow the dust to settle over the Illawarra's shaken political landscape.The Liberals now hold Heathcote and Kiama, while Wollongong, Keira and Shellharbour have been transformed into marginal Labor seats.Ms Hay's victory came after five days of heart-stopping uncertainty as each batch of votes favoured first one candidate, then the other.At lunchtime yesterday, Ms Hay was just 272 votes ahead of her rival.The pre-poll tally had heavily favoured Mr Bradbery, and there were hopes among his supporters that 3700 remaining absentee votes would continue the trend and allow him to overhaul Ms Hay.But by late yesterday Ms Hay had clawed ahead to an unassailable lead, with just 200 votes left to count.The final tally will not be known until a full preference distribution tomorrow.Ms Hay's paper-thin victory will prompt further questions over the so-called "dirty tricks" employed by Labor.Mr Bradbery has claimed ALP leaflets accusing him of supporting heroin decriminalisation and planning to "kill off" the Gong Shuttle cost him critical votes.The discovery of 800 fraudulent Liberal how-to-vote cards falsely directing voters to preference Ms Hay also had Mr Bradbery's camp crying foul.Ms Hay strongly denied any involvement in the incident.Responding to criticism over her campaign tactics, Ms Hay said: "I tried to remain gracious throughout the election and I will continue to maintain that standard."