World Bulletin / News Desk

The city of Montreal has elected its first woman mayor, voting in leftist rookie politician Valerie Plante to lead the growing Canadian metropolis.

"Tonight we have written a new page in Montreal's history books," the jubilant 43-year-old told cheering supporters. "Montreal finally has its first mayoress."

In his concession speech, Coderre, a veteran former Liberal parliament member and cabinet minister, congratulated Plante and announced he was leaving "municipal politics" -- leaving the door open to other elected posts.

Plante, of the left-leaning "Projet Montreal" municipal party, won voters over on a platform vowing improved public transit and public services as well as affordable housing.

"Congratulations Valerie Plante, first-ever woman elected mayor of Montreal," tweeted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when the results came in.