MacEwen out
Morell-Mermaid MLA Sidney MacEwen says he will not seek leadership of PC party; three other MLAs considering a bid
Morell-Mermaid MLA Sidney MacEwen says he will not seek the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party of P.E.I., but three other PC MLAs say they are considering throwing their hat in the ring.
MacEwen says while he did give the idea full consideration, life as a father of three and as an elected MLA is keeping him busy enough.
“Life is very full for our family right now,” he said Thursday in a statement.
“There are 100 great reasons to run for the leader of the PC party of P.E.I. right now, but there are also three perfect reasons aged 10, 7 and 6 not to at this time.”
MacEwen was widely considered a favourite for the job as top Tory.
He had the quiet support of many of his PC caucus members, including former interim party leader Steven Myers who has openly encouraged MacEwen to go for leadership.
MacEwen says he appreciates the many people who reached out to him to offer their support.
“I appreciate the support of all those who have contacted and met with me over the past few months. It has been unbelievable. I believe in this party and the exciting opportunity we have moving forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, three other members of the PC Opposition caucus say they are considering going for leadership.
Rustico-Emerald MLA Brad Trivers and Belfast-Murray River MLA Darlene Compton told The Guardian they are thinking about putting their names forward.
Stratford-Kinlock MLA James Aylward says he hasn’t decided yet.
Both Souris-Elmira MLA Colin LaVie and Matthew MacKay say they will not seek leadership.
Interim party leader Jamie Fox also says he will not run.
“As candidates are ready to declare, they will do that, and we’ll just let the association handle that,” he said.
“I’ve said from the beginning my goal in this role was to keep the party focused and straight ahead and ready and to keep the caucus and the party talking and working together. I’ve said all along I’m not interested (in permanent leadership).”
When asked if he was considering running, Georgetown St. Peters MLA Steven Myers did not directly answer.
A few non-caucus names of potential candidates are being
floated within the party, but none have confirmed they are, indeed, considering the idea.
However, now that MacEwen has officially declared he’s out of the race, sources say there are a few possible candidates in the community who may be taking a serious look at going for the job.
To date, only one person has announced a bid for the PC leadership – political newcomer Al Mulholland from Summerside.
The PC leadership convention will be held on Oct. 20.
“I’ve said from the beginning my goal in this role was to keep the party focused and straight ahead and ready and to keep the caucus and the party talking and working together. I’ve said all along I’m not interested (in permanent leadership).” Jamie Fox