John Abbott is the first person out of the gate to announce that he will be running in the Liberal leadership.

Abbott revealed his plans at Confederation Building yesterday, adding that he has resigned from his cabinet role as minister of housing and mental health and addictions.

This isn’t the first time Abbott has sought the party’s top job. He was defeated in the 2020 race by Andrew Furey.

Abbott says he has spoken with his colleagues and believes he does have the necessary support to carry him through.

If elected, Abbott says his number one priority will be tackling US tariffs.

He says there are questions around impacts on the crab fishery, minerals and lumber that need to be tackled, and they need to look at procurement legislation to ensure they are pulling out “all the stops” to maximize the abilities of local suppliers.

He says he will be strengthening the Team NL approach that Premier Furey has already established, as well as becoming a stronger voice in Ottawa.

No other candidates have formally come forward as of yet, though several have said they are considering it.