Rob Lantz stepped down as the 34th premier of Prince Edward Island on Thursday evening and declared his candidacy for the permanent leadership of the province’s Progressive Conservative Party. Speaking in Charlottetown, Lantz expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as premier, emphasizing his dedication to the province’s future. The announcement was made at the Delta Prince Edward in the presence of supporters and the PC caucus, following the scheduling of the leadership convention on February 7 at the Eastlink Centre.
Having served as interim leader of the PC Party and premier since February, succeeding former premier Dennis King, Lantz had previously been indecisive about seeking permanent leadership. However, after the recent byelection in District 2, where PC candidate Brendan Curran secured a victory, Lantz made the firm decision to run for leadership. He stated that Islanders’ confidence in the government inspired his candidacy, a choice made after consultations with various stakeholders.
Announcing the appointment of Bloyce Thompson as the 35th premier, Lantz acknowledged the weight of the responsibility and indicated a smooth transition of power. With two declared candidates in the leadership race, including lawyer Mark Ledwell, Lantz dismissed suggestions of an unfair advantage, highlighting his focus on governance rather than campaigning. Notably, Lantz garnered support from current PC MLAs, while Ledwell received backing from politicians associated with former premier Pat Binns.
The deadline for entering the leadership contest is December 24, with party officials anticipating a competitive race. Public forums are planned across the counties starting in mid-January to engage with party members and the public on key issues.