When long time Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Bev Shipley announced last Summer he was not going to seek re-election it sparked a hard fought campaign to capture the conservative nomination in the riding.

MP Bev Shipley and Conservative Nominee Lianne Rood. Photo courtesy of Bev Shipley.

Six people battled it out across a riding larger than Prince Edward Island.

When the dust settled on Saturday evening in Strathoy, Lianne Rood was elected by the local members of the party.

The Grand Bend native was a part of Shipleys’ staff in Ottawa.

Rood captured the nomination over the 5 other candidates Pete Aarssen, Peter Cuddy, Greg Hetherington, Matthew Kok, and Bruce Lamb.

The next federal election will take place October 21st.