Steve Kent beats Randy Simms in battle of Mount Pearl North

In one of the most closely watched races of the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election, PC incumbent Steve Kent has defeated Liberal challenger Randy Simms in the district of Mount Pearl North.

Kent, who served as deputy premier under Paul Davis and made a run for the PC leadership last year, was declared the winner an hour after it was projected the Liberals would form the next government.

"The people of Mount Pearl North have never let me down over the last eight years, so I'm very grateful," Kent told supporters after winning his seat.

"Tomorrow we get back to work rebuilding the PC Party and looking forward."

Kent pledged to remain a visible MHA and to keep the Liberals feet to the fire for the next four years.

"I've always spoken out on behalf of the people I represent, I've always advocated on their behalf," he said.

"If folks think I was vocal as a member of the government, wait until they see what I do as a member of the opposition."

Both Kent and Simms are well known in the district; Simms has been mayor of Mount Pearl since 2007, and Kent held the job from 2003 to 2007, before being elected to the House of Assembly.

The two agreed early on in the race that they would not resort to mud slinging during the campaign. However that didn't last long.

Kent said last week some of his campaign staff personally saw Simms volunteers with pockets full of PC campaign literature that had been put on doorknobs and in mailboxes, and he accused them of sabotaging his signs, allegations Simms denied.