Ian McKelvie will continue as Rangitīkei's MP - but with a greatly reduced majority. Photo / Bevan Conley
This election's huge swing toward Labour - in both party and electorate votes - was a surprise to Rangitīkei MP Ian McKelvie.
At times during the evening it looked as though he would lose the seat. He kept it as later votes, perhaps from more rural polling places, were counted.
In the last four elections Rangitīkei's National candidate has had a majority of 10,000 to 12,000 votes, he said. On Saturday it was just 2423 votes, and he accepted that.
"You only do your best and if people decide they want someone else, that's their choice."
Labour has sold itself well this election, he said, and its MPs acted as a team.
