P.E.I. NDP leader confirmed as candidate in District 15 byelection

Michelle Neill will be the nominee for the New Democratic Party of Prince Edward Island in the upcoming byelection in District 15 Brackley-Hunter River.

The seat is vacant following former P.E.I. Premier Dennis King's resignation as party leader and MLA on Feb. 20.

Neill has been the leader of the provincial NDP since April 23, 2022. Her party does not currently hold a seat in the legislature.

"We have many friends, family, and neighbours in the district of Brackley-Hunter River, and with their support, I would be honoured to represent them and bring their voices to the legislature," Neill said in a news release.

No date yet for byelection

In the 2023 provincial election, Neill ran for District 13 Charlottetown-Brighton, but was defeated by Rob Lantz — who succeeded King as premier and interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. 

The date of the byelection has yet to be confirmed.

In the meantime, the news release said, she continues to campaign for accessible health care, as well as for affordable and safe housing.

Neill has lived in Oyster Bed Bridge, which lies in District 15, with her family for more than 25 years.