Conservative Candidate Arpan Khanna Wins Tight Federal Byelection in Oxford County

In yesterday’s federal byelection, Conservative MP Arpan Khanna emerged as the victor after a closely contested race in Oxford County. Voters in four ridings cast their ballots, including Oxford, which encompasses Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Tillsonburg.

Throughout the day, Khanna maintained a narrow lead over Liberal MP David Hilderly, with a difference of only a few hundred votes. The byelection was prompted by the resignation of Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie in January.

Notably, the race in Oxford proved to be the most closely fought among the four contests. The Liberal party experienced an unexpected surge in support, likely resulting from controversy surrounding MacKenzie’s endorsement of the Liberal candidate. MacKenzie publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his own party’s handling of Khanna, whom he claimed was imposed on the community.

The candidates on the ballot included Arpan Khanna representing the Conservative party, Cheryle Baker from the Green Party, David Hilderly from the Liberal party, and Cody Groat from the NDP.

Polling stations remained open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., allowing residents to exercise their democratic right.