Brian Gallant to announce plans to step down

FREDERICTON — Former New Brunswick premier Brian Gallant will be stepping down as Liberal leader, and asking the party to organize a leadership convention.

The Canadian Press has learned from sources close to Gallant that he intends to remain as Opposition leader until the party chooses a new head.

Gallant is scheduled to officially announce his intentions at the legislature at 11 a.m. Thursday.

He became leader in 2012, and premier in 2014 at the age of 32, but came up short in September’s provincial election.

His minority government was toppled two weeks ago in a confidence vote on the Liberals’ throne speech, and Progressive Conservative Premier Blaine Higgs and his minority government were sworn-in last week.

Gallant was not available for an interview Wednesday.

Donald Wright, a political scientist at the University of New Brunswick, said Gallant’s decision was not unexpected.

“He gave it the college try. He tried to find the confidence of the house but was not successful. I’m sure he has spoken to his caucus and to his party. I’m sure he read the tea leaves and learned that his future is not with the party and the party is better off finding a new leader to lead them into the next election,” Wright said.

Wright said the decision is probably in the best interests of the party and of Gallant himself.

“He clearly tested the waters and learned that he does not have the support that he needs. I think he’s wise to ask for a leadership convention sooner rather than later. This government might last 18 months, it might last 24 months, or it might last three months, so the Liberal party is going to have to get its house in order.”

Wright said ideally the new Liberal leader will be someone from outside the party who can bring new ideas and new energy, and not be associated with the last four years.