A political upset took place in Ajax Monday as Liberal Mark Holland defeated Conservative counterpart Chris Alexander, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Alexander, with 19,488 votes, trailed Holland, who collected 31,460 votes, by almost 12,000 votes in the Oct. 19 federal election.
“It has been a profound honour to serve in Stephen Harper’s cabinet, one which history will undoubtedly remember as one of the most productive and successful in laying the groundwork for a stronger, better, more prosperous Canada,” Alexander told nearly 200 supporters gathered at the Annandale Golf Club.
Alexander was elected in May 2011, when he defeated Holland to become the riding’s member of Parliament.
“I commend all of my fellow candidates here in Ajax who fought hard, who fought well, who brought the issues to the population: Mark Holland, Stephanie Brown and the others,” Alexander said. “Above all, I congratulate Mark on his victory tonight.”
Conservative supporter and campaign volunteer Ranjith Molligoda spoke highly of Alexander and the Conservative government.
“I have a great respect for what they have done so far, especially the taxes, the way they treat seniors and all the other facilities,” Molligoda said. “And also personally I like Chris. He’s a respectable man. He’s always with the people.”
Holland regains his position as MP in a majority Liberal government.