Updated July 12, 2016 21:07:55

Photo: Luke Simpkins held Cowan since 2007. (ABC News: Matthew Roberts)

The Liberals' Luke Simpkins has conceded defeat in the West Australian seat of Cowan.

Mr Simpkins had held the Perth seat since 2007.

Labor claimed victory for its candidate, anti-terrorism and de-radicalisation expert Anne Aly, on Monday.

Dr Aly's lead over Mr Simpkins in the vote count today surpassed 1,000 votes.

On his Facebook page, Mr Simpkins said after a lot of careful counting on election night and over the past week it looked like he would fall short of the numbers needed to win Cowan.

"I have spoken with colleagues and a short while ago phoned my opponent to congratulate her on victory and wish her the best in representing such a great community in Federal Parliament," he said.

Mr Simpkins thanked his family, his staff, his colleagues and his electorate.

"Above all I wish to thank the people of Cowan for the opportunity they gave me in 2007, 2010 and 2013," he said.

"It was an opportunity I have asked for on five occasions and be granted through their good graces on three occasions.

"As I always said, I only ever wanted to be a strong local representative and I am exceedingly grateful they gave me that chance."

Mr Simpkins said he was still to decide what his next move would be.

"I will take the opportunity in the weeks ahead to think about how best I can next serve our country or in what direction I will turn to for the future," he said.

Topics: government-and-politics, federal-elections, elections, perth-6000

First posted July 12, 2016 19:48:56