A member of the Portugal Cove-St. Philips town council has been named as the PC candidate for the district of Conception Bay East-Bell Island.

The district has been represented for the last 14 years by David Brazil who is stepping down for health reasons at the end of December.

PC Party Leader Tony Wakeham announced today that Tina Neary will carry the party’s banner when the byelection is called.

Neary was acclaimed as the PC candidate, with no one else putting their name forward.

She says she is excited for the opportunity.

She says she lives in the district and has seen the challenges people are facing. She believes she has “more to offer” and will be able to bring people’s concerns forward.

Kim Churchill is the NDP’s candidate in the district, while it’s been widely reported that advisor to the Premier, former broadcast journalist, Fred Hutton is giving serious consideration to the Liberal nod.

Earlier Story

PC leader Tony Wakeham will announce their candidate for the upcoming Conception Bay East-Bell Island by-election this afternoon.

The district is currently held by former PC leader David Brazil, who was first elected in 2010. Brazil will step away from politics on December 29.

The NDP announced activist Kim Churchill as their candidate yesterday.

While the Liberals have been quiet about their candidate, it is believed that former broadcaster-turned political staffer Fred Hutton will be running.

Wakeham will make the announcement at 1 p.m.

VOCM News will be there.