Liberal veteran Noel picks up St. John's East nod

A former provincial Liberal cabinet minister has won the federal nomination for St. John's East.

Walter Noel, who held a seat in Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature for 14 years, defeated businesswoman — and political rookie — Debbie Hanlon at a nomination vote that concluded Tuesday night.

Noel, who had held a variety of portfolios, including Mines and Energy, in the Brian Tobin and Roger Grimes governments, based his campaign around political experience.

Before the nomination vote, Noel said he wasn't worried about Hanlon's claims that her team had signed up most of the Liberals eligible to vote.

Noel was defeated in Virginia Water district in the 2003 election, by Progressive Conservative Kathy Dunderdale.

St. John's East has been held since 1997 by Conservative Norm Doyle, who has announced he will retire when the next election is called.

No high-profile candidates have declared yet for the Conservative nomination.

Meanwhile, New Democrats are lobbying Jack Harris — a former MP in the riding and the former provincial NDP leader — to run again in St. John's East.