Rookie New Democrat Terence Kernaghan takes London North Centre
Colin Butler | CBC News | Posted: June 8, 2018 8:00 AM | Last Updated: June 8, 2018
After having a deputy premier as a sitting MPP, London North Centre chooses a newbie from the NDP
The people of London North Centre have voted for a change, choosing an elementary school teacher turned rookie New Democrat MPP to replace a seat left vacant by a retired veteran Liberal cabinet minister, who stepped down as deputy premier of Ontario after serving the riding for the past 15 years.
This is really overwhelming. - Terence Kernaghan
Terence Kernaghan won Liberal Deb Matthews' old riding Thursday night by a wide margin, beating his closest rival Progressive Conservative candidate Susan Truppe by over 9,000 votes and Liberal candidate Kate Graham by more than 17,000.
After the win, the grade six teacher from Jack Chambers Elementary school addressed a jubilant crowd of NDP supporters at the Ukrainian Club of London.
"Oh wow. Thank you very much," a visibly elated Kernaghan said before the screaming crowd. "It is seriously my honour to be your MPP for London North Centre."
The newly minted MPP appeared flustered at times, seemingly overwhelmed by the victory and being thrust into the glare of the spotlight.
"When I got up here I knew my mind would go completely blank, so I have prepared notes because oh my goodness, this is really overwhelming," he said.
NDP sweep in London
The Thursday night by the NDP win over rival PC and Liberal candidates in London North Centre, completes a sweep for the New Democrats in London's three urban ridings which, for the first time in the history of the city were all NDP orange.
Kernaghan told reporters that his only wish that night was that his late father Jim was there to see his win, saying the two-year anniversary of his death was Tuesday.
"He was an amazing guy, he taught me not just how to listen but to listen with an open heart. He's here, he's here with us," he said.
Kernaghan said he would not be back in class on Friday.
"I won't be. It is a PD day tomorrow and I will miss my students, I look forward to visiting them at some point," he said.