Tanveer Shahnawaz, a young Liberal candidate, is poised to secure victory in the upcoming byelection for the Beaches-East York federal riding in Toronto. The 30-year-old is currently leading over the NDP’s Shannon Devine and Conservative candidate Jim Syrbos.
The byelection was initiated following the resignation of Nate Erskine-Smith last month, who stepped down after an unsuccessful bid for a provincial parliament seat in Ontario.
Shahnawaz, who formerly served as Erskine-Smith’s office manager, emerged as the Liberal nominee after a competitive nine-day selection process in July. The riding, situated in Toronto’s east end, has traditionally been a stronghold for the Liberal party, with only one NDP victory during the Orange Wave led by Jack Layton in 2011.
Erskine-Smith, who regained the seat in the 2015 election, maintained his position until his departure in July.
