Liberal seeks recount after 18-vote loss in Newfoundland and Labrador election

Voters in Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Election at the polling station in the Holiday Inn in St. John's N.L., on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Daly

ST. JOHN’S — A Liberal who narrowly lost his seat in Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial election says he has asked for a judicial recount in his district.

Derek Bennett lost to Progressive Conservative Mark Butt by just 18 votes in the Lewisporte–Twillingate district in last week’s election.

In a statement, Bennett said he feels the close result deserves a thorough review and he filed an application for a recount Friday with the province’s Supreme Court.

He previously told The Canadian Press he was concerned about an hours-long power outage that occurred in his district on the day of the vote.

The province’s election laws say districts with a margin of victory of 10 votes or less are subject to automatic recounts, but candidates or electors can request a review.

The Progressive Conservatives won 21 of 40 seats in the Oct. 14 election, netting the party a slim majority over the incumbent Liberals, who won 15 seats.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2025

The Canadian Press