Jim Bradley voted out after 41 years as MPP in St. Catharines

For the first time in more than four decades, Jim Bradley won't be representing St. Catharines at Queen's Park.

Bradley has represented the riding since he was first elected in 1977, but on Thursday, as the Liberals collapsed and NDP and PC candidates gobbled up votes across Ontario, the long-time incumbentlost his seat.

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The political veteran finished with just over 24 per cent of the votes, earning a distant, third-place finish behind Sandie Bellows from the PCs who had more than 33 per cent of the votes and Jennie Stevens who won the riding for the NDP with 36.61 per cent.

"Ithasbeen an absolute pleasure serving the residents of #StCatharinesfor the past 40 years and I thank you all for your support and kind words tonight," he Tweeted shortly after the results came in.

Blue Box program

Before his political career, Bradley worked as a teacher with the Lincoln County Board of Education and as a member of St. Catharinescity council.

His time in office included several cabinet positions, including as Environment Minister where be brought the now ubiquitous Blue Box recycling program to millions of homes across the province.

Bradley also served as minister of community safety and correctional service, municipal affairs and housing and transportation. He even served as interim leader for the party from November 1991 to April 1992.

Elected 11 times

In a post on Facebook, St. CatharinesMP Chris Bittle, praised Bradley for always puttingSt. Catharines first and making it a better place.

"Being elected 11 times in a row and being the second longest-serving MPP in the province's history is no small feat and is a testament to you and the respect the people of St. Catharines continue to hold for you," he wrote.