Parrish prevails in bid to succeed Crombie

Former councillor, MP beats rivals in mayoral byelection

- OMAR MOSLEH

Former Mississauga councillor and MP Carolyn Parrish will be the city's next mayor.

It was a hard-fought and contentious mayoral race that looked increasingly close in the weeks leading up to election day.

"Your voices have been heard and together we will build a brighter, more inclusive future for our city," said Parrish, after winning the mayoral byelection on Monday night.

According to the city's unofficial election results, Parrish received 43,494 votes compared with 35,005 votes for her nearest rival, Coun. Alvin Tedjo (Ward 2).

Parrish said she was confident she could work with other mayors in Peel Region to deliver results for residents.

"The region is going to be stronger now because we're going to have three mayors who actually get along," she said, referring to her counterparts in Brampton and Caledon.

Former provincial Liberal cabinet minister and Coun. Dipika Damerla (Ward 7) was third with 27,119 votes. Coun. Stephen Dasko (Ward 1) received 22,408 votes.