One hour and one relocation back to his Vancouver-Point Grey headquarters, and NDP candidate David Eby finally admitted he had defeated Liberal leader and new Premier Christy Clark in the riding.

With a couple of minor polls still to be counted, Eby felt comfortable calling the election in his favour by 1 a.m. -- half an hour after Global BC had called it for him.

"It's the first time in 12 years the NDP had an MLA in Point Grey," Eby told the several dozen cheering supporters who followed him from the party at Nuba restaurant to his campaign headquarters.

"I don't know when the last time a premier lost their seat (was)."

A close call, Eby defeated Clark by just over 300 votes -- less than the 564 votes Clark beat Eby by in a 2011 byelection. There are still 200 absentee ballots to be counted over the next 10 days, and it's unclear at this point whether a recount will be requested.

"Doesn't look like we'll be the ones asking (for one)," Eby told The Tyee earlier this evening.

Previously the riding of ex-Liberal leader Gordon Campbell, Point Grey residents have been represented in cabinet for at least the last 12 years. But Eby says as opposition member he'll focus on issues the Liberals won't: education, transit, and especially the environment.

"We have to keep beating that drum because we know the Liberals aren't going to," he said, referring to climate change, tanker traffic, and oil pipelines.

"We've got to hold the Liberals feet to the fire in opposition, and we can do it and we will do it."

Clark will not be able to sit in the legislature without an elected seat. But media reports this evening indicate the premier will ask one of the 49 elected Liberals to give up their seat for her.

Katie Hyslop reports from Eby's headquarters.