Crawley to head Canada's Liberal Party

OTTAWA, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Mike Crawley was elected president of Canada's Liberal Party Sunday in Ottawa, succeeding Alfred Apps.

"I am re-energized by all of you," Crawley said in his acceptance speech.

"The convention has expressed something very clear, that the way forward is about much more than all of us within these four walls.

"The convention signals a party that is clearly focused on the future; a party that will provide a truly new and fresh alternative to Canadians in the months and years ahead."

Crawley was a narrow pick over former Cabinet minister Sheila Copps, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. Part officials said there were three requests for recounts before the results were announced, the network said.

Copps said while she "would have preferred a different result," Crawley would make a "fantastic president," the CBC said.

"Mike has the leadership skills to pull it all together. I have complete confidence in Mike Crawley and the executive that's been elected," she said.

Other candidates for the presidency included Alexandra Mendes, Ron Hartling and Charles Ward.

Apps had been president since March 2009.