Ches Crosbie taking time to reflect after losing election, and his own seat

Ches Crosbie's political future is uncertain, after the Progressive Conservative leader lost not only the election, but also his Windsor Lake seat.

Crosbie, whowas defeated by Liberal candidate John Hogan by more than 500 votes, was not taking questionsfrom the media Saturday afternoon, but did issue a pre-recorded message shortly after results were released at noon NT.

"I've spoken with Andrew Furey and Alison Coffinand offered them and their teams on behalf of our party, my sincere congratulations on a hard-fought election campaign," Crosbie said in the message.

"Every candidate and every volunteer who stepped forward in this campaign is a winner because democracy wins when voters have a real choice. And the choices our party put forward in this campaign were second to none."

For the better part of 10 weeks Crosbietook aim at Premier Andrew Furey's decision to call a winter election amid a pandemic. His campaign pledged to create jobs for Newfoundland and Labrador and bolster rural communities.

The PC leader also went on the offensive over the pending report from the premier's economic recovery team and accusedthe Liberals ofhiding a plan related to job cuts.

Last fall, the Tories urged Furey todelay an election until October 2021, by amending legislation requiring an election within a year of a new premier taking office, and even introduced a private member's bill to that effect that passed in House of Assembly 18 to 16. However, a private member's bill doesn't change legislation, and Furey announced on Jan. 15 that voters would head to the polls in mid-February, a date that got pushed back after a COVID-19 outbreak sent the province back into lockdown.

Ches Crosbie concedes after losing seat in Windsor Lake

3 years ago

Duration 3:15

PC leader releases recorded statement on 2nd straight electoral loss

In his video message, Crosbie said he "unequivocally" respects the will of the voters.

"But let's not forget, in an electionthe people choose not only their government, they also choose an official opposition to hold the government's feet to the fire and advocate for people," Crosbie said.

"It has never been more important than right now to accept this role that the people, in their great wisdom, have placed on this party's shoulders."

This was Crosbie's second bid for the premier's seat, having lost in 2019 asformer premier Dwight Ball eked out a minority government with half of the legislature's 40 seats.

Crosbieshowcased a different side of himself at least in public knowledge during his run this time.

His campaign videos were a hit on social media, including onein which he talked non-stop about policy issues, oblivious to his daughter's weariness.

"In light of the outcome of the election, I will be speaking with my family, my caucus and the executive of our party, and I will take a few days to reflect on what has happened and determine where to go from here," he says in the video.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador