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

Rob Lantz has officially stepped down as the 34th premier of Prince Edward Island, announcing his candidacy for the permanent leadership position within the province's Progressive Conservative Party. Speaking to a crowd in Charlottetown, Lantz referred to his tenure as the “honour of my life” and emphasized his commitment to building P.E.I.’s future.

This announcement follows the confirmation of the party's leadership convention set for February 7 at the Eastlink Centre. As per party regulations, Lantz needed to resign as interim leader within ten days of the convention to be eligible to run for the top leadership role.

Serving as interim premier and party leader since February, Lantz took over after the resignation of Dennis King. For a while, he had been noncommittal about his intention to run permanently.

On Thursday, he disclosed that he made his decision earlier in the week, shortly after a byelection in District 2, where Brendan Curran of the PC narrowly defeated Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell. Lantz interpreted this victory as a sign of ongoing public trust in the government.

While acknowledging that taking on the leadership role is indeed a substantial responsibility, Lantz mentioned that he had engaged Islanders, party members, and caucus colleagues for months before deciding.

He also announced that Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson will be inaugurated as the province’s 35th premier on Friday. Thompson, who manages portfolios in justice, public safety, and agriculture, will be the third premier of P.E.I. within a year.

With Lantz entering the race, the PC leadership contest now has two candidates. Lawyer Mark Ledwell had earlier declared his intention to run. Lantz brushed off claims that his incumbent status gives him an edge, insisting he has remained focused on governance rather than campaigning.

Current PC MLAs are expected to back Lantz, while several notable figures from the era of former premier Pat Binns, including Binns, Jamie Ballem, and Jamie Fox, support Ledwell. Party officials are gearing up for a competitive contest, with nomination deadlines by December 24 and public forums slated to occur in each county starting in mid-January.