SAINT JOHN, N.B. -- Progressive Conservative Glen Savoie will represent the New Brunswick riding of Saint John East, winning a byelection held nearly two months after he narrowly lost the seat in the provincial election.
Unofficial results show Savoie captured 2,225 votes in Monday's byelection -- 827 more than closest competitor Liberal Shelley Rinehart
NDP candidate Dominic Cardy finished third with 1,099 votes followed by Sharon Murphy of the Greens with 262 and Arthur Watson of the People's Alliance of New Brunswick with 38.
The vote was made necessary when Liberal Gary Keating suddenly quit politics three weeks after winning the seat in the Sept. 22 general election by just nine votes over Savoie.
It was the closest contest in the provincial election.
In a statement Keating said the hours and travel that came with the job would have had an negative impact on his health and family.
Rinehart, who is the deputy mayor of Saint John, finished second despite telling voters she could create partnerships for the city for the development of infrastructure and recreational projects.
Cardy, who announced his intention to resign as NDP leader after his party was shutout in the general election, ran in the byelection after supporters urged him to reconsider and run.
It was his third attempt to win a seat.
The Liberals hold a majority in the legislature with 26 seats, while the Tories now have 22 and the Green Party one.
