NDP sets date for leadership contest BY DAVID MAHER

Gerry Rogers only candidate so far; leader to be selected April 6-8

The provincial New Democratic Party has announced when it will select its new leader.

The NDP’S leadership convention will take place from April 6-8 in St. John’s. The party has hired lawyer Lynn Moore as chief electoral officer to oversee the leadership contest.

So far, only St. John’s Centre MHA Gerry Rogers has put her name forward to lead the party. Former leader Earle Mccurdy stepped down as party leader in September to move to Eastport and spend more time with his family.

Mccurdy had beaten Chris Bruce and Mike Goosney to become NDP leader in 2015.

On Thursday, Bruce confirmed he has no intention of re-entering the leadership race.

Leadership candidates have until Feb. 28 to sign their papers and pay a $2,000 fee to be considered by party members as their new leader.

Only those who are NDP members before March 7 will be able to cast a vote in the leadership contest.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Conservative leadership race still has two candidates — lawyer Ches Crosbie and former health authority CEO Tony Wakeham.

The PC’S leadership race will take place on April 28, with the deadline for leadership applications due on Jan. 28.