One of the two Liberal leadership contenders is calling for the party to suspend the race while government officials deal with the fallout from the Covid-19 crisis.

John Abbott issued a news release late Tuesday evening calling for the party to convene a meeting with both leadership candidates to discuss the possibility of putting the contest on hold.

Abbott asks “if it is prudent to continue with the leadership election process when people are focused now on their safety and financial well-being and that of their families.”

Early Tuesday on the VOCM morning show, Premier Dwight Ball said he was in no hurry to get out the door, but the decision to stay on was not his to make. Three weeks ago Ball suddenly announced his intention to step down as Premier once a new leader could be chosen.

Abbott and Dr. Andrew Furey are the two leadership contenders. VOCM news has contacted Andrew Furey and the Liberal Party President for comment.

The party will choose a new leader on May 9.