BROCKVILLE – The riding of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes will be staying blue at least until the next federal election.
Conservative Michael Barrett took a commanding lead right out of the gate as the results rolled in after the polls closed at 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Barrett won with 16,865 votes or nearly 58 per cent of the popular vote.
The unofficial results show Liberal Mary Jean McFall was second with 10,443 or nearly 36 per cent of the vote.
After McFall, Green Lorraine Rekmans had 859 votes, NDP Michelle Taylor with 883 and Independent John Turmel with 111.
Voter turnout was 35.9 per cent with 29,161 of the 81,247 registered voters casting ballots.
Barrett will take the seat once held by MP Gord Brown, who died earlier this year, and will be the riding’s Member of Parliament until the federal election on Oct. 21, 2019.
On behalf of the entire Conservative caucus, I would like to congratulate @MikeBarrettON on his victory in Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. Residents can count on him to defend the region’s interests and to be a strong advocate in Ottawa: https://t.co/3oDEWDg95O pic.twitter.com/h523JYkMtj
— Andrew Scheer (@AndrewScheer) December 4, 2018
Huge victory for @MikeBarrettON and the @CPC_HQ team in tonight’s by-election. Michael worked hard to earn every vote with a message to respect taxpayers. Thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible. Great momentum builder for @AndrewScheer heading into 2019! #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/6z4wLtqd1C
— Steve Clark (@SteveClarkPC) December 4, 2018
So proud of @MikeBarrettON as he celebrates his big win in #LGTIRL – the MP title looks good on you, my friend! pic.twitter.com/lAmiZrF2PP
— Erin Merkley (@MerkleyErin) December 4, 2018