New Democrat Jamie West to run for Sudbury MPP in 2018 election

New Democrats in the Sudbury riding have chosen Jamie West to be the party's candidate in the next provincial election.

West emerged victorious on Monday night at the party's nomination meeting.

He came out on top after two ballots, after241 party members voted.

"I think for a while, Sudbury hasn't really been well represented, that our current MPP hasn't been listening to the people," West told reporters after the vote.

"I think he has to be held accountable, and that's why I'm running. I'm going totake back the city and turn it orange."

Carol Mulligan, an ex-journalist, was dropped from the race after the first round of votes. Soon after, Mulligan announced she'd back West in the next round.

Beth Mairs, a social activist and documentarian, was the party's runner up.

• Carol Mulligan announces intention to seek Sudbury provincial NDP nomination
• Beth Mairs announces intention to seek Sudbury provincial NDP nomination

All candidates touched on hydro rates during their speeches.

"For a long time, our energy minister hasn't talked about them, mentioned them, and denied the skyrocketing rates," West said.

"We're the party that's talking abut bringing it back to the public, reducing rates and finally holding the Liberals accountable."

'People are receptive to conversation'

Now that he's Sudbury's NDP candidate, West said the real work begins to show the rest of the riding he's the right person for the job.

"It'sall about boots on the ground, knocking on doors...talking to people one on one," he said.

"People are receptive to conversations. They want to learn about who you are, and they want you to hear their story."

Ontario's next election will happen in June 2018.