Filmmaker Avi Lewis has been elected as the NDP’s new leader defeating his four rivals on the first ballot with nearly 40,000 votes.

This victory signals a shift toward the party pushing big, unabashedly left-wing policies like government owned and operated grocery stores as grassroots pushed for change after a devastating election result last year.

The party’s chief electoral officer says there were nearly 71,000 votes cast.

Alberta MP Heather McPherson placed second with just shy of 21,000 votes, followed by social worker Tanille Johnston, union leader Rob Ashton and farmer Tony McQuail.

Lewis begins his speech with a call for unity in the party, brining his leadership rivals on stage along with the NDP caucus as they all hug it out.

Lewis has said that he is not in a rush to enter the House of Commons and plans on starting his leadership by strengthening the grassroots before seeking elected office.

More to come…