Rob Lantz Steps Down as P.E.I. Premier to Pursue PC Leadership

Post by : Mina Rahman

Rob Lantz officially announced his resignation as the 34th premier of Prince Edward Island on Thursday night, declaring his intention to seek the permanent leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party of the province. Speaking to supporters in Charlottetown, he described his tenure as the “honour of my life” and emphasized his dedication to the future of P.E.I.

This news came just a day after the party confirmed plans for a leadership convention scheduled for February 7 at the Eastlink Centre. According to party rules, Lantz was required to resign as interim leader within ten days prior to the convention date to be eligible to run for the leadership position.

Since February, Lantz has served as both interim premier and party leader, stepping in after the previous premier, Dennis King, vacated his position. For months, he had refrained from making a clear decision about a permanent candidacy.

On Thursday, he shared that he came to this decision earlier in the week, soon after the byelection in District 2, where PC candidate Brendan Curran narrowly bested Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell. Lantz viewed this outcome as a sign of ongoing public support for the government.

While he admitted that the leadership role carries significant responsibility, Lantz noted that he had been engaging with Islanders, party members, and colleagues for several months regarding his decision.

Additionally, Lantz confirmed that Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson will be sworn in as the province’s 35th premier this Friday. Thompson, who also holds justice, public safety, and agriculture portfolios, will mark P.E.I.’s third premier within the same year.

With Lantz entering the mix, the PC leadership contest now includes two confirmed candidates. Lawyer Mark Ledwell, who expressed his intentions to run earlier in the year, is also in the race. Lantz refuted any claims that his tenure as premier gives him an unfair edge, asserting that his focus has been solely on governance.

Current PC MLAs are likely to rally behind Lantz, while notable figures from the era of former premier Pat Binns, including Binns, Jamie Ballem, and Jamie Fox, are supporting Ledwell. Party officials expect a spirited competition, with the nomination deadline set for December 24. The leadership race will feature three public forums across the counties beginning mid-January.