Behind the scenes at byelection afterparties

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ABOVE THE FOLD

STEELTOWN SMACKDOWN — For the first time in well over a decade, Hamilton Centre is sending a new MPP to Queen’s Park: SARAH JAMA, who handily held on to the NDP bastion Thursday.

At 22 per cent, turnout was decidedly in the toilet.

About last night: Jama — who made a Hail Mary apology to the Jewish community for a “poor choice of words” (more on that below) — celebrated at an NDP-studded victory party at Sanford Hall. Spotted at the after party: DESMOND COLE, MP MATT GREEN, local councillors ALEX WILSON and NRINDER NANN, NDP captain MARIT STILES, MPPs PETER TABUNS, MONIQUE TAYLOR, TOM RAKOCEVIC, JOEL HARDEN and more.

The grub: The Limin’ Coconut served up Caribbean fare: Jerk chicken skewers, meatball sliders, veg fritters with chutney, pizza platters, charcuterie and dessert trays. After hours: A little birdie tells me Jama went home to relax with a fresh baked pan of her mom’s brownies following a hectic campaign.