Claresholm's Roger Reid is the man who will carry the UCP banner into the next provincial election in the Livingstone-Macleod riding.

He posted the win over both Nathan Neudorf and Thomas Schneider after all the ballots were counted late into the night on Saturday, December 8.

Reid says he was surprised he won it on the first ballot.

"Absolutely, Nathan and Thomas worked hard coming into this race and I think earnestly connected with people in the riding. So, I was surprised it was a first ballot win, but I'm really grateful for the confidence the riding put into me."

The UCP's Vice President of Communications for the Livingstone-Macleod Riding, Wade Nelson, wrote the vote count on his hand in the count room as the announcement was made.

Reid says being the only candidate who calls the riding home was key.

"Livingstone-Macleod really felt it was important to have local representation. Nathan and Thomas are both brilliant men and I think as we spent our time in the forums I grew to really respect their passion for what we were doing. But to really have somebody who lives here and intrinsically knows what makes Livingstone-Macleod tick, was what made the difference."

Reid says he'll take a couple of days to let it sink in, then it's back on the campaign trail as he'll switch his sights to next Spring's provincial election.