There is another person in the race to be the Progressive Conservative candidate when a by-election is called for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

Neal Roberts, who is the chief of the Middlesex London Paramedic Service, announced his candidacy for the job via news release Saturday.

Roberts has worked for Middlesex County since 2011 and heads up the paramedic service. He also served on Doug Ford’s Council on Improving Health Care and Ending Hallway Medicine in 2019.

Roberts is a former business owner and past president of the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs and has spent his life in public service.

Roberts says his priorities would be expanding broadband services, improving the access to timely quality health care and increasing the availability of natural gas. “My campaign is about bringing
practical solutions to the pressing challenges we face in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex,” says Roberts.

Roberts joins Chatham-Kent Councillor Steve Pinsonneault as a candidate for the nomination to fill seat left vacant when Monte McNaughton left his job as Labour Minister to work for Woodbine Entertainment earlier this year.

The Independent reached out to the Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Riding association, however officials would not say how many people in total threw their hats into the ring to run for the nomination. The party will be vetting candidates until Dec. 24. A nomination meeting is slated for Jan. 27.