Brenton Best who early on in the night looked certain to lose his seat blamed his party's leader and former premier Lara Giddings for casting him aside in favour of former deputy premier Mr Green.

Braddon's fifth seat is currently being hotly contested between Labor's Best, Palmer United Party's Kevin Morgan and the Liberals' Roger Jaensch and Joan Rylah.

Early figures suggest Mr Best may just pick up the seat, but it's in no way certain.

Mr Best conceded he had a "tough" fight to retain his seat in Braddon, but said he had taken "great satisfaction" in representing the people of the electorate, whatever the outcome.

"It's going to be tough for me," Mr Best said.

"But if there's one thing I've learned about the Hare-Clark system is that it can throw some curve balls."

Mr Best said his party's endorsement of sitting Braddon MP Bryan Green had stalled his campaign efforts and said outgoing premier Lara Giddings had failed to endorse his policies.

"Look, I met with the premier and asked if she would endorse my policies, the policies the people asked me to fight for," Mr Best said.

"And she said she would look at them, but nothing happened."

Yesterday Bryan Green would not be drawn on his intentions for the Labor leadership, preferring to wait for the results of Saturday's poll.

Mr Green retained his seat early and said the result reflected the state's dissatisfaction with minority government.

Mr Green said he would serve the entire four-year term if he wins a seat in the electorate, which looks likely.

Mr Green was looking forward to the challenge of being part of Labor's rebuilding phase in opposition.