One Nation candidate Malcolm Roberts has lost his bid for the seat of Ipswich, with the party's chief of staff throwing his support behind the former senator's possible return to federal politics.

Despite claiming a “fantastic response” at the polling booths on Saturday, Mr Roberts lucked out in his bid to take Ipswich, which remains in the hands of Labor’s Jennifer Howard.

Former One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts. Credit:AAP

About 7.30pm, Mr Roberts conceded, thanking candidates and staffers.

“We have also had a big swing for us ... we have eaten into the Labor vote and we have eaten into the LNP vote,” he said.