Conservative Party of Canada candidate Karen Vecchio at her 2019 campaign celebration at Boston Pizza. October 21, 2019. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Conservative Party of Canada candidate Karen Vecchio at her 2019 campaign celebration at Boston Pizza. October 21, 2019. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
London

Vecchio holds on to Elgin-Middlesex-London

The riding of Elgin-Middlesex-London will continue to be held by Conservative Karen Vecchio.

With 103 of 181 polling stations reporting, results from Elections Canada showed Vecchio had roughly 50 per cent of the vote, ahead of runner-up Liberal candidate Afeez Ajibowu, who had 19 per cent of the votes.

New Democrat Katelyn Cody was third, followed by Chelsea Hiller of the People's Party of Canada, Amanda Stark of the Green Party, and Christian Heritage Party candidate Michael Hopkins.

Speaking with Blackburn News London Monday night, Vecchio thanked her staff and the community and said she looks forward to continuing her work within the riding.

"One of the biggest things that I have to work on is reuniting our communities. This was a really really divisive election," Vecchio told Blackburn News London.

While some believed PPC candidate Hiller would be a tougher contender in the riding, "Team Vecchio" held strong. Vecchio said she's heard a variety of economic-related concerns that need attention and said she will work to make the best choices for the area based on information given from her constituents.

"I've always ensured that I've listened to all of the people, all of the constituents and that's something I'll continue to do,' Vecchio said. "If you have questions, ask. I think that's one of the most difficult things that we've seen, there's been a loss discussions over this election."

Vecchio was first elected as the region's Member or Parliament during the 2015 election. She succeeded former MP Joe Preston who retired ahead of the 42nd election. The riding has remained in the hands of the conservatives since 2004.

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