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Bob Chamberlin, looking relaxed and casual in shorts and flip flops, was acclaimed as the NDP candidate for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Chamberlin again

Bob Chamberlin taking second run at MP for NDP in Nanaimo-Ladysmith

Jun 18, 2019 | 1:59 PM

NANAIMO — Picking an NDP candidate for the upcoming fall federal election couldn’t have been any different from picking a candidate for the recent federal byelection.

Gone were the many candidates, the ceremony and the suits.

Instead, Bob Chamberlin was acclaimed Tuesday night to once again lead the NDP for the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding.

He was relaxed and comfortable, taking the podium in the Bowen Park Auditorium wearing shorts and flip flops.

Despite the casual demeanor, he was all business about reclaiming the riding for the NDP.

“Last time in the byelection, we got out of the gate about eight days afterwards. Today, that’s not going to be the case. We’re going to have a longer lead time for planning, executing and engaging with community voters.”

The NDP came third in the 2019 federal byelection, trailing the victorious Greens and second place Conservatives.

The riding is often seen as an NDP stronghold.

Much of the conversation, from mayor Leonard Krog and NDP MLA Sheila Malcolmson, as well as party members, focused on taking the votes back from the Greens.

Chamberlin is confirmed to run against Green Party MP Paul Manly. John Hirst of the Conservatives indicated he’ll run again in the fall election. It’s unknown who will be the face of the Liberals in Nanaimo and Ladysmith.

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