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The heart of Calgary turned Conservative blue Monday as newcomer Greg McLean unseated lone Liberal incumbent Kent Hehr in a firm victory in Calgary Centre.

Unofficial polls gave McLean an early lead, which grew throughout the night.

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Hehr’s team confirmed to Postmedia that he conceded at about 9 p.m. and had called McLean to offer congratulations.

“We knocked doors, we stuffed envelopes, we went out there with a positive message each and every day. I am so proud of every one of you,” Hehr told a crowd of about 200 supporters at the Palace Theatre before speaking about his opponent.

“Greg is a classy guy. He always treated me with dignity and respect and I know he is going to do an excellent job for the people of Calgary Centre.”

Photo by Darren Makowichuk / DARREN MAKOWICHUK/Postmedia

McLean, an investment portfolio manager and previous adviser to two cabinet ministers in former prime minister Brian Mulroney’s government, celebrated his victory at the downtown Wurst restaurant with supporters.