Middleton-Hope inspired by support in tight race
By Lethbridge Herald on December 19, 2024.
UCP candidate John Middleton-Hope waits with supporters for final results to come in at his byelection watch party Wednesday night at the Sandman Signature Lodge.
Herald photo by Ian MartensAlexandra Noad – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing rang through John Middleton-Hope’s byelection watch party at the Sandman Signature on Wednesday night, but shortly after 11 p.m., it became clear that he would not be the next MLA for Lethbridge West.
The UCP candidate lost the byelection to replace outgoing MLA Shannon Phillips to NDP candidate Rob Miyashiro by a margin of 1,150 votes.
Middleton-Hope said he and his campaign team knew the race was going to be a tight, and while it may not have ended in his favour, he’s happy with the results of his campaign.
“We came from a significant position of deficit,” Middleton-Hope said after the final advance votes were tallied. “We started with 350 people who were part of the party, we pushed that over 7,200 that were prepared to vote for us.”
About 50 UCP supporters gathered to view election results with their candidate. Ahmed Ibrahim, the campaign’s door-knocking captain, said the team fought the good fight.
“We have given it our all. I got a voter at 7:55 p.m. and they didn’t know it was voting day, and (the poll was) going to close at 8 p.m.”
Ibrahim added the tight race made for an exciting campaign.
“We went in with this campaign knowing it was going to be tight. We knew it and we went for it, and that’s what makes this campaign so beautiful. Because no one would have taken up this challenge of going in headstrong with nine years of NDP riding.”
Middleton-Hope sent his congratulations to his opponent, who, like himself, has experience on Lethbridge City Council.
“Congratulations to Rob and his team, they did a good job. I’m just so grateful to all the people that we met at the doors that inspired us and all the folks that helped on the campaign.”
Middleton-Hope took a temporary leave of absence from city council to run in the byelection, and will resume his regular duties.
13-12
The people have spoken and it is one of the great things we must be thankful for that we live in a society where we have free and open elections.
Sad that this hard working man lost for the MLA West Constituency, but great that we still have a fierce and hard working Councilor who has fought hard for this city and did make a difference in areas already.
I do not see this as a loss, he make great gains in this by-election, and I know he will finished some of the work he began on Council that will benefit this city!
Well done John, you ran a clean and respectful campaign as promised!
Glad that the best candidate won and the campaign appeared civil.
re; the LDE fiasco: all councillors will resign at the end of the term.that includes JMH, nice meeting you and good-bye JMH .
Brought to you by wooly socks on a cold day!