The Liberal National Party has sent the lawyers up to Townsville as the recount continues for the seat of Herbert.

After coming behind Labor’s Cathy O’Toole by eight votes on the initial count, sitting member Ewen Jones held a lead of just one after weekend counting.

Close to 90,00 ballots have already been counted but veteran LNP Senator Ian Macdonald, who has made north Queensland his bailiwick, says the learned friends are there to coordinate evidence for a possible to challenge to the outcome in the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns if things fail to go the Coalition’s...