Clarke considering PC leadership run

But CBRM mayor says Sydney port development, municipal budget are priorities

Cecil Clarke has confirmed he is seriously considering running for the leadership of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party.

The second-term Cape Breton Regional Municipality mayor, who spent 10 years in the provincial legislature as the MLA for Cape Breton North, recently returned from the mainland where he attended the PC caucus Christmas party before holding a series of discussions on the possibility of entering the race to replace present party leader Jamie Baillie.

“I was down on the South Shore, I was in the southwest, the Valley, into Truro the hub, and into Colchester and Cumberland counties for discussions with individuals and groups of individuals who asked me to consider exploring the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party,” said the 49-year-old Clarke, who was raised and still resides in Sydney Mines.

“I have been doing that engagement, but the rules haven’t been defined, the

timeline is not known — but I have said I am willing to have that discussion on my own time and on my own dime.”

Clarke, who during his decade in the legislature served as minister of a number of portfolios along with a year as Speaker of the house, said he plans to take some time to consider a return to provincial politics.

“I will look at it and consider it fully — the holidays are a good time to take stock and to look at one’s future as these are not light decisions or short-term commitments — when you embark upon them you want to make sure you get it right,” he said, once again confirming he will not seek a third term as mayor in the 2020 municipal elections.

“In the last election campaign, I committed to finish what I started and that was to move the port file along. I believe we are succeeding in moving it along but it’s about delivering an opportunity that is significant to our community.”

To date, only East Pictou MLA Tim Houston has announced his candidacy for party leadership.

While it’s speculative to guess as to when Clarke may have been first approached privately about the position, in late November a website (draftcecil.ca) appeared on the Internet calling for his candidacy.

Clarke said while he’s flattered by the attention, much of his time in early 2018 will be spent working on the next budget for the cash-strapped CBRM.

“It is exciting to be approached by so many people from across Nova Scotia and in the new year I will continue to have that dialogue, but it will not take away from my priority, the immediate priority in the new year, which is the budget,” he said.