Rob Lantz steps down as premier to pursue permanent P.E.I. PC Party leadership

Rob Lantz has launched a bid for the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party’s permanent leadership, resigning Thursday night as the province’s premier.

After months of mixed messaging, Rob Lantz has officially launched a bid for the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party’s permanent leadership, resigning Thursday night as the province’s 34th premier.

Lantz addressed the uncertainty around his intentions in a scrum after the announcement, saying the party had undertaken a lengthy process to identify potential candidates, approaching and interviewing several members.

“I didn’t seek this role, but I’ve been speaking with Islanders, party members, caucus for many months about this,” Lantz said. “Many people turned back to me.”

In the early days of his interim leadership, Lantz said he said he wouldn’t run for the permanent role. More recently, his public statements have left the door open.

Another source of encouragement: a byelection win earlier this week, with PC candidate Brendan Curran winning the legislature seat in P.E.I.’s District 2, Georgetown–Pownal.

“I think Islanders still have confidence in this government. I want to have a role in that,” he said.

Lantz added that Cory Deagle, the minister of housing, land and communities, had previously considered entering the race but stepped back voluntarily.

Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson will be sworn in Friday as P.E.I.’s 35th premier — the third person to hold the office this year. The province’s 33rd premier, Dennis King, resigned in February.

Lantz’s resignation was required in order to compete for the job. Under the PC Party’s constitution, an interim leader who wants to run must step down within 10 days of a leadership convention being called.

The vote is scheduled for Feb. 7 at Charlottetown’s Eastlink Centre.