An official review has upheld Conservative Allan MacMaster's win in the provincial electoral district of Inverness.

Only 50 votes separated MacMaster and Liberal challenger Ian McNeil after a byelection Tuesday.

The returning officer and the candidates went over the ballots on Thursday, and the results mirror the first numbers.

MacMaster, an investment adviser, had 3,155 votes to McNeil's 3,105. New Democrat Bert Lewis garnered 2,342 votes, while Green Party candidate Nathalie Arsenault trailed with 223.

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil said Friday that the party has not decided whether to seek an official recount. The party has until Monday to give notice.

The byelection was called after the longtime MLA, former premier Rodney MacDonald, stepped down last month.

MacMaster's win gives the Tories nine seats in the 52-seat legislature. The NDP holds 32 seats, while the Liberals have 11.

The Tories failed to keep the district of Antigonish, where there was another byelection on Tuesday. That seat was won handily by New Democrat Maurice Smith.