Global News has declared Conservative incumbent Michael Barrett the winner in Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
Long-time federal Conservative MP Gord Brown was first elected in Leeds—Grenville in 2004, and held the seat until his sudden death in 2018. The riding was reconstituted as Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes in 2012.
In December 2018, a by-election was called to fill Brown’s seat after his death earlier in the year, and despite Brown’s young nephew putting his name in the ring for Conservative candidate, local politician and former riding association president Michael Barrett won the nomination, and then the by-election with nearly 60 per cent of the vote.
In the 2015 election Brown won the riding with 50 per cent of the vote, but two-time Liberal candidate Mary-Jean McFall was close behind, with 40 per cent of the vote. This year, McFall did not run, and was replaced by first-time candidate Josh Bennett, who, according to early polls, came second to Barrett.
Candidates
Conservatives: Michael Barrett (Incumbent)
Liberals: Josh Bennett
NDP: Michelle Taylor
Green: Lorraine Rekmans
PPC: Evan Tennant-Hindle
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