A member of retiring MP Bev Shipley's parliamentary staff in Ottawa has been chosen by Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Conservatives as his successor.
Lianne Rood won the riding nomination over five other candidates at meetings held in Dresden Friday night and in Strathroy Saturday.
Also in the running were Pete Aarssen, Peter Cuddy, Greg Hetherington, Mattheu Kok and Bruce Lamb.
Rood, who worked six years as a legislative assistant and grew up on a vegetable farm near Grand Bend, said it was a close race.
"I'm so humbled to be selected to serve the constituents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. I'm overwhelmed with the support that I've seen through this entire riding and so thankful for the countless people who came out to vote today."
Rood says she can't wait to begin campaigning.
"I'm excited for what the future holds. I'm excited to get out campaigning. I love knocking on doors and meeting constituents in this riding."
Shipley, 71, announced last July that he would not be seeking re-election, after representing the riding since 2006.
The 43rd Canadian federal election is scheduled for October 21. -With files from Colin Gowdy
https://twitter.com/CGowdyCHOK/status/1109578573143261184
