Liberal Curtin candidate Tom White has conceded defeat to his teal opponent Kate Chaney.

In a message posted to his Instagram on Sunday morning, White said he congratulated her on her “well-earned victory”.

“Kate and I have many differences but this is not the time to dwell on them,” he said.

“She has been an impressive and formidable opponent. I admire her team and the sincerity they have brought to the campaign, even when we disagreed strongly.”

Curtin was one of the most intense campaigns in the nation with both camps spending at least $1 million each on significant digital and outdoor advertising as the Liberals tried to wrest control back of the former blue-ribbon seat from the Climate 200-backed teal.

White said the Curtin electorate had never seen a contest like this one.

“Both sides threw everything at it. I am at peace knowing there’s virtually nothing more I could have done,” he said.

“Defeat stings, but it’s much less painful than the permanent, dull ache of wondering what might have been had I never tried. I have no regrets.”