Rookie New Democrat Terence Kernaghan takes London North Centre

The people of London North Centre have voted for a change, choosing an elementary school teacher turned rookie New Democrat MPP to replace a seat left vacant by a retiredveteran Liberal cabinet minister, who stepped down as deputy premier of Ontario after serving the riding for the past 15 years.

This is really overwhelming.- Terence Kernaghan

Terence Kernaghanwon Liberal Deb Matthews' old riding Thursday night by a wide margin, beating his closest rival Progressive Conservative candidate Susan Truppeby over 9,000 votesand Liberal candidate Kate Graham by more than 17,000.

After the win, the grade six teacher from Jack Chambers Elementary schooladdressed a jubilant crowd of NDP supporters at the UkrainianClub of London.

"Oh wow. Thank you very much," a visibly elated Kernaghansaid before thescreaming crowd. "It is seriously my honour to be your MPPfor London North Centre."

The newly minted MPPappeared flustered at times, seemingly overwhelmed by the victory and being thrust into the glare of the spotlight.

"When I got up here I knew my mind would go completely blank, so I have prepared notes becauseoh my goodness, this is really overwhelming," he said.

NDPsweep in London

The Thursday night by the NDP win over rival PC and Liberal candidates in London North Centre, completes a sweep for the New Democrats in London's three urban ridings which, for the first time in the history of the city were all NDPorange.

Kernaghantold reporters that his only wish that night was that his late father Jim was there to see his win, saying the two-year anniversary of his death was Tuesday.

"He was an amazing guy, he taught me not just how to listen but to listen with an open heart. He's here, he's here with us," he said.

Kernaghan said he would not be back in class on Friday.

"I won't be. It is a PD day tomorrow and I will miss my students, I look forward to visiting them at some point," he said.