Jeremy Cockrill speaks after he is declared the winner in the bid for the nomination for the Battlefords Saskatchewan Party. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

New candidate

Jeremy Cockrill wins Battlefords Sask. Party nomination

Feb 28, 2020 | 8:29 AM

Jeremy Cockrill is the new Saskatchewan Party candidate for the Battlefords for the upcoming provincial election.

He won the most votes, defeating fellow contender Tom Hawboldt in the nomination meeting Thursday at the Dekker Centre.

The vote breakdown was not released at the event.

Cockrill credits his efforts campaigning and door-knocking to help him win the race. He also sold about 150 new party memberships.

“Winning takes work, and we definitely put the work in,” he said. “So anytime you do that you are a little nervous because you don’t know how it’s going to turn out. But it turned out in our favour tonight, and we are really grateful for that. It’s going to be an honour to fight for this riding in October.”

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The new Saskatchewan Party candidate for the Battlefords says a passion for politics led him to seek the nomination.

Cockrill is also a senior boys’ basketball coach and manages a family business in North Battleford.

He decided to run because the opportunity became available.

“I’ve been interested in government and politics from a young age,” he said. “I started volunteering federally when I was 14 years old. So, I always thought this is maybe something I would do when I was 60 years old. But I’m half that, and why not now.”

He said in his speech the NDP as the opposition might think they have a chance at taking this riding from the Sask. Party since there won’t be an incumbent.

“I’m here to say, I am going to put the work into making sure they don’t,” Cockrill said.

He said his next plans are getting to work on the campaign starting Monday, and to undertake some training with the party.

Cockrill commended outgoing Battlefords MLA Herb Cox for his service, while adding “all the members here recognize the work Herb has done.”

Cox, who completed two terms, appeared emotional when he gave his parting speech. He thanked his family for their support, and reflected on some of the highlights from his career serving the riding.

The MLA said there was a strong turnout for the voting for the nomination and that augurs well for the Sask. Party government.

Cox said Cockrill will be a good candidate for the future.

“He is a young fellow; he has lots of energy. I know he worked hard for this nomination,” Cox said. “He has committed to work hard to win the election, and I am going to give him whatever help I can.”

He believes Cockrill will be a “fantastic addition” to the Sask. Party Caucus.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW