Jim Lester says his family has taken on the role of “Farmer Jim” over the past few months as he’s been busy working on his campaign.
As of Tuesday night, his family realized they must keep up the job for at least the next two years, as Lester is the new MHA for Mount Pearl North.
“This is the start of the rebuilding of faith of the people of this province,” said Lester. “The past two years we have suffered. But we are proud people who will rise again.”
The Tory candidate was unsuccessful in the 2015 election for the Mount Pearl Southlands district.
“I was feeling this same amount of emotion two years ago,” laughed Lester. “But only this time it’s on the other end of the spectrum.”
The crowd chanted “Jim! Jim! Jim!” and clinked their beers when the final results were in.
PC Leader Paul Davis was among the dozens of supporters cheering for Lester’s victory.
Davis says Lester will bring many important skills to the House of Assembly.
“He has a business background, but not just in any business,” Davis said. “This man works in a business where holidays aren’t a day off. They work all year long.”
Lester received nearly double the number of votes as Liberal candidate Jim Burton. Davis says this says a lot about how voters are feeling.
“We’ve heard day after day that we need to send a message to the current Liberal government that they’re not doing good enough,” said Davis. “I think they got that message tonight.”
Independent candidate Hudson Stratton spoke over the phone with The Telegram after the results were finalized.
“I’m out picking up my signs right now,” he said with a laugh. “I have a moose hunting trip tomorrow.”
He wished Lester congratulations, and says his experience was a good one.
PC candidate Jim Lester received 2,064 votes.
Liberal candidate Jim Burton received 1,129 votes.
NDP candidate Nicole Kieley received 1,088 votes.
Independent candidate Hudson Stratton received 121 votes.
All results are unofficial.
Earlier story:
Tory Jim Lester handily won Tuesday’s byelection in Mount Pearl North.
Lester received 2,064 votes to second-place finisher Jim Burton, who received 1,129 votes running for the Liberals.
NDP candidate Nicole Kieley finished third with 1,088 votes. Independent candidate Hudson Stratton recived 121 votes.
According the of Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, 4,402 of the 9,975 eligible voters in the Mount Pearl North district voted in Tuesday’s byelection.
In the 2015 provincial election, 6,091 voters in the district cast a ballot.
The byelection became necessary after former MHA Steve Kent resigned.
