Wine reviewer 'Fiona' drowns sorrows after failing to win Auckland mayoralty

Auckland's wine-loving mayoral candidate is drowning her sorrows after falling short in the electoral race.

Comedian Tom Sainsbury's alter-ego 'Fiona' scored 2447 votes.

But Fiona is remaining gracious in her defeat.

"It was all a bit of a roller-coaster ride, really. You know, there was a moment when I thought maybe I have this in the bag, but listen, I'm very happy for Phil Goff."

In October, Fiona told The AM Show she was confident of getting at least 12 votes, but did much better than that - coming in 10th in a field of 21 candidates.

She still has her sights firmly set on politics, and is considering launching a bid for Parliament.

"Lots of people are suggesting I go for the general election, and listen, it is on my radar. But we'll see. Maybe I'll have my own independent party - the Wine Appreciation Party."

Fiona is hopeful the Prime Minister will be open to forming a coalition.

"I don't know if I'll beat Jacinda Ardern, but listen - we might work together... we'll see."

Goff beat Fiona by 153,510 votes and his closest rival John Tamihere by 85,135, according to preliminary results.

Sainsbury is known for impersonating actual MPs, including Paula Bennett, Simon Bridges and Judith Collins.

Newshub.