First ever female MP for Western Province.

Lanelle Tanangada. Photo: Solomon Star.

Lanelle Tanangada, wife of the former MP Jimson Tanangada has been elected the new Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara constituency after counting in the by election concluded late this evening.

Mrs Tanangada defeated former MP and Prime Minister , Gordon Darcy Lilo and four other male contestants.

She also becomes the first ever woman in the Western Province to be elected into Parliament.

The constituents have been without a Member of Parliament since last November when Jimson Tanangada lost his seat in an election petition against his 2014 victory, challenged by Gordon Darcy Lilo.

Lanelle, a Waikato University graduate made her grand entrance into politics as an independent candidate.

By: Lowen Sei.