Ches Crosbie is stepping down as leader of the PC Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.
After days of silence following his defeat in Windsor Lake, Crosbie called a news conference over the lunch hour to announce his departure.
With more than a decade of experience sitting in the House of Assembly, and already one stint as leader, MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island David Brazil has been named interim leader of the PC Party.
#NEW: PC Leader @ChesCrosbie is stepping down as leader of the PC Party of NL.
Interim Leader of the Official Opposition is David Brazil. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/58IGVcbJ5Z
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) March 31, 2021
Brazil served as Opposition Leader in 2018 between the resignation of Paul Davis and the election of Ches Crosbie as MHA.
As for when a new leader will be elected by the party—that could take a while. Brazil couldn’t give a firm timeline but hints that the decision could be a year or two away. The party wants to take its time with the process.
Brazil says right now, his energy and talents are a better fit for helping the PCs get to the next level.
A portion of Brazil’s speech.
Says there is more to come on the flawed election process in the coming weeks – now is about recognizing Crosbie.
Brazil appoints Petten to Official Opposition house leader. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/zYCbqvLqVw
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) March 31, 2021
Barry Petten on the other hand, who was named Opposition House Leader by Brazil, wasn’t so sure. He says right now it’s a no, but much like politics, that could change over time.
Petten says no one has “officially” come forward immediately wanting the leadership. But, both agreed that today is all about Ches Crosbie.
