Abbott returns as Shuswap MLA

Voters in the Shuswap riding have returned Liberal party member George Abbott to his fourth consecutive term as MLA.

After the May 12 election, Abbott nudged out NDP prospect Steve Gunner by a healthy 3,533 votes — a particularly healthy margin given challenges launched by candidates from the BC Conservative Party, Green Party and even the Marijuana Party who all fronted candidates in the riding.

Abbott, who most recently held the position of Health Minister in the Liberal government, claimed a total of 10,224 votes while his closest competitor NDP candidate Gunner received 6,691 votes.

The closest race within the riding was between the BC Conservative Party and the Green Party where just 221 votes separated the candidates. Green Party candidate Michel Saab attained 2,464 votes, which edged Beryl Ludwig’s tally of 2,243 votes.

Chris Emery, of the Marijuana Party clearly finished in last place but gleaned a respectable 340 votes. As the party chose to endorse Green Party candidates in the election, instead of running against them, Emery was the only candidate in the whole province. In order to maintain party status the group had to font at least one candidate and Emery was it. Although not related to BC Marijuana Party founder Marc Emery, by default Chris has now become the party’s interim party leader.

Summary of results

• George Abbott — BC Liberals — 10,224 votes
• Steve Gunner — NDP — 6,691 votes
• Michael Saab — Green Party — 2,464 votes
• Beryl Ludwig — BC Conservative Party — 2,243 votes
• Chris Emery — Marijuana Party — 340 votes

Copyright © 2009 ShuswapNews.com