Progressive Conservatives mull interim leader after Rob Lantz resignation
UPEI political scientist says PCs should choose full-time leader soon
The P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party says it will be naming an interim leader before its Oct. 24 annual general meeting and some MLAs are considering whether they want the job.
Rob Lantz stepped down as leader Wednesday. Pat Banks, the party's vice-president told CBC Radio's Island Morning Thursday morning that an interim leader will be appointed within 30 days.
"We will be doing that and it will be completed and announced to Islanders before the AGM in October."
- P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz resigns
- Rob Lantz election loss left P.E.I. PC Party without a road map
If more than one person puts their name forward, the party executive and caucus will vote on the leader.
Opposition leader Steven Myers, who was interim leader before Lantz got the job, says he's not interested in doing it again.
He says he wants to focus on his own district, Georgetown-St. Peters.
"And we'll see what's around the other corner whenever that time comes," he said.
'Not ruling it out'
District 4, Belfast-Murray River MLA Darlene Compton, who vied for the party leadership in February, said she's considering going for interim leadership.
"I'm not ruling it out. I haven't really made up my mind. I've had calls. People are asking me if I'm willing to take it on." said Compton.
James Aylward, who also ran for the leadership earlier this year, hasn't made a decision yet.
"It's much too early for me to decide. And it's been a very busy 24 hours with many things on my agenda. But, I mean, this is an extremely pivotal time for our party."
The Conservatives are also considering updating their constitution to better deal with the situation when a leader fails to win a seat.
University of Prince Edward Island political scientist Don Desserud said the party should choose a full-time leader as soon as possible.
"So instead of focusing on the next election, how about focusing on the here and now? We have a government in power that needs to be held accountable. All governments do," said Desserud.
"I'd like to see that be the focus rather than looking way ahead to the next leadership convention."
A new executive for the party will be chosen at the party's AGM. At that time, the caucus and executive will decide how they go about choosing a permanent leader.