George Murphy to stay on sidelines in NDP leadership race
George Murphy, the MHA for St. John's East, will not run for the leadership of Newfoundland and Labrador's New Democratic Party.
Murphy, who was elected to the House of Assembly in 2011, released a statement on Friday announcing his decision to bow out.
I remain your humble public servant and advocate- George Murphy, NDP MHA
"After careful consideration, considering family first and foremost, it was an easy decision to make that my family would be placed first on my priority list next to the constituents of my district," Murphy said.
Murphy thanked supporters for encouraging him to take a run at the leadership bid, saying, "I remain your humble public servant and advocate."
He also said he would not throw his support behind any candidate for the leadership.
"The decision that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will make in the next couple of months will be the most important decision of all, and I want you all to participate in making that choice."
Lorraine Michael announced on Tuesday that she will resign as leader as soon as her successor was chosen.
Michael said she will, however, stay on as MHA for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.
On Thursday, Sheilagh O'Leary, who made a failed bid at running for MHA for the district of Virginia Waters in a byelection last April, said she would not pursue the leadership.
O'Leary said she will support St. John's Centre MHA Gerry Rogers, should Rogers choose to run. Rogers said earlier this week that she was not leaning toward a leadership bid.