Tyler Allsopp is on his way to Queen’s Park. And over half the electorate is feeling the pain.

The Progressive Conservative Belleville Councillor and businessman won Thursday’s byelection, edging out Liberal candidate Sean Kelly by just 2,002 votes. The NDP’s Amanda Robertson and Green Party candidate Lori Borthwick finished third and fourth in the local runoff, respectively.

Mr. Kelly noted over half of voters, 56 percent, said no to Premier Doug Ford and Mr. Allsopp, who netted 14,430 votes. Mr. Kelly was close behind, with 12,428. Ms. Robertson earned 8,607 and  Lori Borthwick 1,186 for the Greens.

Voter turnout was disappointing. Of about 100,000 Bay of Quinte voters eligible to cast a ballot, just 37,298, or 38.5 percent, bothered to turn up on election day or during advance polls.

Meanwhile,  new MPP Allsopp held an invitation-only celebration for supporters at the Belleville Club, leaving journalists to request interviews, which took place outside in an adjoining alleyway. 

Furrowed brows marked the occasion at Shoeless Joe’s pub in Belleville, where Mr. Kelly met his supporters just before 10 p.m., joined by Liberal party leader Bonnie Crombie. Despite the loss, local Liberals were pleased by the gains and feted Mr. Kelly as he made his appearance.

“We were hoping to win it, but there were some huge gains by the party overall. With only four weeks, it’s very difficult to get it done, but I want to thank all the voters who turned out and my family who supported me all the way through,” said Mr. Kelly.

NDP Party leader Marit Stiles joined Ms. Robertson at Legendz Pub in Rossmore on election night. Ms. Robertson said she would continue to advocate for the community on important issues such as health care and education.

“I am so grateful for the support and kindness that the community has shown me and my family throughout this campaign. We had an incredible team on the ground, knocking on thousands of doors, and fighting to give people the opportunity to make their voices heard. The people, my team, and our incredible volunteers are an inspiration.”

“Amanda has inspired important and necessary conversations about the changes people want to see in the Bay of Quinte,” said Ms. Stiles. “She is a strong advocate, and we are incredibly grateful to her and the community for an inspiring, ambitious campaign.”

Green Party leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner thanked everyone who took time to vote and thanked his candidate for her care and compassion for local residents feeling left out of the political process.

“Lori is a community champion with a bold vision for people-powered change. I want to thank her and her incredible volunteer team for representing the Greens with hard work and enthusiasm. At Queen’s Park and all across the province, Greens will continue to fight for housing, healthcare and real climate action to build an Ontario that works for everyday people.”