Justice Minister Andrew Parsons has stepped down as Government House Leader.
Parsons confirmed for VOCM News that he stepped down from the role last Tuesday. He plans to remain in cabinet, but says the role takes extra time away from home.
Parsons served as House Leader for the Liberal party since 2015, however before that he also served as Opposition House Leader for several years.
Justice Minister @Andrew_Parsons1 has confirmed he stepped down as Government House Leader last Tuesday. Tells @VOCMNEWS he has been in the role for 8 years. Plans to stay in cabinet, but says the role takes extra time away from home. #nlpoli
— Fred Hutton (@Fred_Hutton) October 29, 2019
Premier Dwight Ball issued a statement on Tuesday evening clarifying changes to their roster following Parsons’ announcement.
Parsons will continue as Minister of Justice and Public Safety as well as Attorney General of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you Minister Parsons for your remarkable work as our House Leader. Please see my statement below for further details on changes to the role of House Leader. pic.twitter.com/G5sh5ssfn8
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) October 29, 2019
Minister Siobhan Coady will take on the role of House Leader, while Minister Steve Crocker is now Deputy House Leader.
Minister John Haggie collects a new title as Member of the House Management Commission.
Parsons is expected to make a further statement this evening on the decision to resign.
The House of Assembly is scheduled to reopen on Monday, November 4th. The first order of business will be to elect a new House speaker.
