Tom Davis wins Ward 4 byelection, becoming newest St. John's councillor

Tom Davis, a business owner for more than 30 years, said earlier this week he was running because he sees an absence of leadership on city council. (Darrell Roberts/CBC)

Tom Davis has been declared the winner of Tuesday's City of St. John's byelection, becoming the new Ward 4 councillor.

Davis received 1,211 votes, according to unofficial results from the city on Tuesday night, defeating Myles Russell, Greg Smith and Nicholas Hillier.

Russell received 657 votes, Smith 650 and Hillier 272.

Tuesday marked Davis's second time on the ballot to become a city councillor.

Speaking with CBC News earlier this week, Davis said he felt the city lacks forward-thinking leaders who don't shy away from key issues.

He said his main motivation for running again was to address what he sees as problems with city spending, and increased taxes on residents and small businesses.

The byelection was triggered when former councillor Ian Froude stepped down in December, citing a lack of motivation.

Ward 4 covers the north-central area of the city, including Kenmount Terrace, Memorial University and Airport Heights.

Results will be made official on Wednesday by the city clerk.

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