CALGARY -- It will be Harvey Locke looking to lead the Liberals in Calgary Centre to a federal seat.

Locke was announced as the area’s Liberal candidate Saturday evening, after drawing forth a substantial number of votes over his competitors for the spot -- Rahim Sajan, Steve Turner and Drew Atkins.

Campaigning on the promise of being fiscally prudent, socially progressive and environmentally responsible at home and abroad, Locke said he’s excited for the challenge in the upcoming byelection, which will see him up against Conservative Joan Crockatt who is looking to carry on for her predecessor Lee Richardson.

“(Those values) are why I won here and (those values) are why I think that I can win in Calgary Centre,” Locke said.

The newly-crowned candidate thanked his team for their efforts -- efforts he acknowledged he’ll need them to continue if he’s going to get the message out and come out on top of the Conservatives in the by-election.

“We have a mountain to climb, but we’re already on the slope ... we feel ready and equipped to do it, and to start moving right now,” Locke said.

“I think we’re very competitive right now ... Calgary Centre has become a very vibrant and diverse place.”