Journalist, broadcaster, and writer Andrew Lawton has gained the nomination to run as Member of Parliament for the Conservative Social gathering of Canada within the new using of Elgin—St. Thomas—London South.
No vote totals had been introduced, however Lawton beat Anthony Shields Saturday evening in a vote on the St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas, Ont.
“This was a really, really great opportunity for the members to have their say in who their next member of parliament is,” Lawton instructed Ontario Chronicle after profitable the nomination. “I think all across the riding, everyone is absolutely fed up with the government. They want some strong conservative voices, and I’m happy to be a part of that following the legacy of Karen Vecchio.”
Voting came about for 3 hours Saturday afternoon, and fewer than an hour after voting ended, the ballots had been counted, and Lawton was introduced the winner.
Some leaving the occasion instructed Ontario Chronicle that over 1,200 individuals voted.
“I felt fantastic about all of the people coming out,” stated Lawton. “I’ve had a career in media, so some people know my work through that. Others have been lifelong conservatives and others have never been a member of a political party before they signed up to vote in this nomination. We’re seeing a massive swell in support for the conservative message.”
Shields was gracious in defeat. He was preventing an uphill battle as a candidate for lower than every week, whereas Lawton has been looking for the position since late July.
Anthony Shields arrives at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas, Ont. for the nomination assembly on Saturday Nov. 9, 2024. (Brent Lale/ Ontario Chronicle London)
“It’s disappointing but I did the best I could with the time provided to me by the National Conservative Party,” stated Shields. “They gave me five days to run the race, and I did the best I could with five days. It is not a lot of time. They could have had the vote any time as late as November 25, but the decision was made to have the vote today on November 9.”
Holding the date Saturday was “too early,” some occasion members instructed Ontario Chronicle exterior the venue. They had been additionally perplexed by the very fact media weren’t allowed contained in the venue throughout both voting or the announcement.
“What are they hiding?” was a standard thought by those that spoke to CTV.
The returning officer telling media, “This is a private event, and media are not allowed inside.”
An indication posted on the door at St. Anne’s Centre in St. Thomas, Ont. denies video and pictures, however in a uncommon incidence, Ontario Chronicle was additionally not even allowed contained in the constructing for the nomination. The returning officer stated it was their resolution as a result of it was a “private event.” (Brent Lale/ Ontario Chronicle London) MP Karen Vecchio was upset after the outcome, as she had overtly endorsed Shields main into the nomination assembly.
“He was given the shortest window I’ve ever seen and ran a very honorable campaign,” stated Vecchio. “I’ve worked with him in the past, and he did a tremendous job for a five-day campaign.”
She additionally didn’t like the best way the nomination day was dealt with. Neither candidate was allowed on website, they weren’t capable of marketing campaign to their voters, and media had been stored out of the constructing.
“I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen anything like this,” stated Vecchio.
“It’s very unfortunate because I had people saying to me, ‘Well, you’re Electoral District Association,’ and I basically had to stand up because they weren’t able to stand up for themselves. They had nothing they were able to do, including the date that was chosen. We were told it was going to be the 23rd of November, but well, welcome to November 9.”
Now that Lawton has gained the nomination in a typical-Conservative using which is polling far more than 50 per cent proper now, he has to begin spreading his message.
“Knocking on doors,” stated Lawton about what’s subsequent. “I mean, the last little bit, I’ve been campaigning only to Conservative members. But now it’s time to take the message and go out to every part of the riding here, from Bayham to West Lorne and talk to all of the people here. The work starts really immediately.”
Having labored not too long ago because the managing editor of True North, a right-wing media outlet, Lawton was requested “what kind of conservative he plans to be?”
“We’ve been putting forward a common-sense Conservative message, things like getting rid of the carbon tax, getting the size of government under control, and defending free speech,” stated Lawton. “These are entirely mainstream positions. I think that’s why we see so many Canadians looking to the Conservatives for an alternative. I’m really excited to be a part of that team in the next election.”
Regardless of disappointment within the outcome, Vecchio stated her occasion members have spoken.
“The one thing I do understand is that here in this community, we vote for the person that’s going to represent our community,” stated Vecchio. “Andrew will have to prove to the people of Elgin, St. Thomas, London South that he’s there for the people.”
