Cecil Clarke wins mayoral bid in Cape Breton

For the first time in 12 years Cape Breton will have new leadership Cecil Clarkeis the next mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Clarke took an early lead on election night, and held close to 59 per cent of the vote. In total, he received 27,732 votes.

"I feel very humbled, but also honoured to be the next mayor of CBRM. I want to work with the new councillors and discuss those plans on how we can built a stronger, better CBRM and get things back on track and take our combined passion, energy and drive and make sure this municipality is leading Atlantic Canada," he told CBC News.

The 44-year-old politician was a Progressive Conservative MLA and served as Attorney General, Justice Minister, Energy Minister and Speaker of the Legislature before he resigned his Cape Breton North seat to run federally.

It was mainly a two-man race between Clarke and Rankin MacSween.

Clarke will replace long-time mayor John Morgan, who in August saidhe would not reoffer in the municipal election.

As an MLA, Clarke was frequently on the opposite side of issues from Morgan, especially it came to the matter of equalization funding.

Following his acceptance speech Clarke said he wants to work with province's other mayors and wardens to create a "true Nova Scotia approach, pan Nova Scotia approach."

While Clarke campaigned on the promise of renewal, some things won't change now that he can addmayor to his title.

"I'm getting up tomorrow and going to church, going to the legion breakfast as I do every Sunday, and reconnecting with my community, being out on the street," he said.

The municipal election polls are officially closed and the results are in in Cape Breton. Here is the list of councillors for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

District 1 Clarence Prince

District 2 Charlie Keagan

District 3Mae Rowe

District 4 Claire Dethridge

District 5 Eldon MacDonald

District 6 Ray Paruch

District 7 Ivan Doncaster

District 8 Kevin Saccary

District 9 George MacDonald (acclaimed)

District 10 Darren Bruckschwaiger

District 11 Lowell Cormier (acclaimed)

District 12 Jim MacLeod