Richard Mostyn secures Liberal nomination for Whitehorse West riding

Former journalist Richard Mostyn emerged as the winner at last night's Liberal nomination for the Whitehorse West riding, beating Ramesh Ferris, a nationally known activist in the fight against polio.

Mostyn thanked his opponent, saying "the man is a gentleman and he fought a really, really great campaign."

"We are not in different camps, we are united, we are Liberals."

Mostyn also thanked Liberal Leader Sandy Silver, who currently holds the sole Liberal seat in the territory.

"Our leader... has done just a tremendous campaign building up this party over the last four years. It has not been easy for him and he's done an excellent job." 

Some 206 Liberal memberships were registered in the riding, which has been held since 2002 by the Yukon Party's Elaine Taylor. A total of 165 ballots were cast last night. 

Mostyn says he plans to take one week off, then be back knocking on doors, this time as the Liberal candidate in Whitehorse West. 

"I'll continue to talk to the community, to find out what they care about, what sort of problems they're facing and what sort of solutions they're seeking."

He says the public is frustrated by the indifference of the Yukon Party government. 

"People haven't been listened to for a long time. We've got a government who talks to a very small cadre of people, and that has to end. The Yukon government is a government for all people, not just some people."

New Liberal voters

Last night's nomination meeting drew the usual party faithful, but also, notably, voters from both the NDP and the Yukon Party, who say they want change under a Liberal banner. 

Marilee Cooper has voted NDP for most of her life. She voted Liberal for the first time in last fall's federal election, and says she'll do it again in the territorial election.

"The positive energy that the Liberals have brought nationally, I'd like to see it continue and come into our territory. I think Sandy Silver is doing a wonderful job of leading us in a good direction. 

"I think it's time for a change, and I truly believe that we can make the Yukon a great place to live again."

Frank Vullings is another new Liberal — but he's from the right side of the spectrum.

Vullings voted for the Yukon Party in 2011, but bought a Liberal membership and came out to cast a ballot for Richard Mostyn. Vullings says he's not happy with the performance of the Yukon Party.

"They're not listening to the people and they're ignoring a lot of the agreements that have been made with the First Nations in the Yukon," he said. "I think they've thrown the whole territory into somewhat disarray with their strong-arm, ham-fisted method of talking with people." 

Mostyn is the fourth Liberal candidate to be confirmed. 

The date for the territorial election has not yet been announced.