Article content

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The Conservatives are attempting to paint the Liberals’ easy victory over an ex-cabinet minister in Monday’s federal byelection in Labrador as a loss for Leader Justin Trudeau.

Conservative party spokesman Fred DeLorey said Liberal candidate Yvonne Jones win over former cabinet minister and incumbent Peter Penashue was not a surprise, given that Liberals have won the riding in all but two elections since the province joined Confederation in 1949.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Conservatives spin Liberals' huge win in Labrador as Justin Trudeau's loss Back to video

“As we know, majority governments do not usually win byelections,” he said in an email.

In fact, out of 21 byelections since Prime Minister Stephen Harper took office in 2006, the Conservatives have never before lost a Tory-held riding. They’ve even picked up five opposition-held seats.

Still, DeLorey tried to spin the Labrador result as a loss for Trudeau.

“When this byelection was called, the Liberals had a 43-point lead in the polls. Since electing Justin Trudeau as leader and having him personally campaign there, they have dropped 20 points in Labrador,” DeLorey argued.