Former Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon has lost his bid to represent the newly formed Borderland constituency. The incumbent Independent candidate fell to Progressive Conservative Josh Guenter in Tuesday's provincial election, who also beat out 4 other candidates for the win.

Graydon served as the MLA for Emerson for 12 years, a majority of them under the PC party before he was booted from caucus in fall 2018.

"The good people of the Emerson constituency have certainly been good to me for the last twelve years," said Graydon, adding Tuesday's results were disappointing. "I wanted to thank all of the good people that voted, whether they voted for me or for someone else, and I want to thank them for their participation with the PC party because I am a conservative through and through."

Graydon also extends a 'thank you' to all of the volunteers and staff that have worked on his behalf over the years including long-time employees Sharon Friesen and Imy Rempel.

A common theme that came up during the election campaign, according to Graydon, was voters' concerns that if elected, he wouldn't be able to accomplish anything in the legislature without the backing of a party. Graydon argues, however, that isn't true. "The reality is that when you are part of a party you do as the whole party suggests," he said.

In addition, Graydon feels rural Manitoba has been taken for granted by the PC party over the years and says unfortunately, many of the things he and the PCs said they would accomplish during his time with the caucus, didn't get done. He cites removing education tax from farmland and getting rid of the idea of the carbon tax as examples, as well as the hits he says are being dealt to rural healthcare with nursing shortages and under-used facilities.

In parting, Graydon hopes to see more gains for agriculture in Manitoba moving forward.