He hasn’t even officially declared he’ll seek the provincial Liberal leadership, but already Dr. Andrew Furey has the support of at least two cabinet ministers.
On Friday afternoon, Sherry Gambin Walsh and Steve Crocker both publicly endorsed Furey. Both were on the west coast for an annual cabinet retreat.
I’m behind you @FureyAndrew! https://t.co/XkQeqAVxr7
— Sherry – Liberal MHA (@Sgambin) February 28, 2020
Gambin Walsh wrote “I’m behind you @FureyAndrew!” Crocker went a step further posting “You have my support @fureyandrew! Looking forward to working with you! #furey2020”
You have my support @fureyandrew! Looking forward to working with you! #furey2020 https://t.co/YoYoQJXXi2
— Steve Crocker (@SteveCrockerLib) February 28, 2020
A day earlier, Furey, who is the founder of Team Broken Earth, posted on social media that he is seriously considering a run to replace Dwight Ball.
On Facebook and Twitter Furey wrote “Which Furey am I? I can tell you this: I’m the one who will always stand out front for this place.”
“Which Furey am I? I can tell you this: I’m the one who will always stand out front for this place. I have always been compelled to take action when I have felt there is a need. So far in my life, that has taken me to some far-reaching places in the world. Today I am focused on what is needed here at home. As Nan would say, put the kettle on. There is a lot to think about and it is going to be a busy week.”
-Excerpt from Furey’s blog post.
The post fueled speculation that has been swirling for a couple years that the orthopedic surgeon would, at some point, enter politics.
It appears that time is now. Sources say his official entry into the race will come early next week when cabinet ministers are back in St. John’s.
Only one other person has indicated a plan to enter the race. John Abbott informed media on Friday that he plans to make his leadership bid official next week.
The Liberal Party is holding a leadership convention on the weekend of May 8. Candidates have until Friday, March 6 to declare their intention to seek the leadership.
