P.E.I. Liberal leader steps down after failing to win byelection

After failing to win the Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection earlier this week, Robert Mitchell announced he is stepping down as leader of the Prince Edward Island Liberal Party.

After failing to win the Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection earlier this week, Robert Mitchell announced he is stepping down as leader of the Prince Edward Island Liberal Party. Mitchell, who became leader of Liberals last year, came in second place in the byelection. Green Party candidate Tayte Willows won the riding .

In a statement , Mitchell said the party needs a leader who holds a seat in the legislature. On Wednesday, the Liberal caucus appointed Hal Perry, who represents the Tignish-Palmer Road riding, as interim leader. Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts and video on all the top stories “Serving the people of this province has been the greatest privilege of my life, but a leader needs to be on the floor of the legislature to look the premier in the eye,” said Mitchell in the statement.

“This decision was not made this week, nor was it made for me. “I am incredibly proud that this party is in a stronger position today than it was before I became leader, and I know I didn’t do it alone.” P.E.I. Liberal Party president Katie Morello said they will hold a leadership convention before the end of the year.

The byelection was triggered after the death of Progressive Conservative MLA Mark McLane last March. The Greens and the Liberals each have four seats in the provincial legislature while the governing Progressive Conservatives have 18. With files from The Canadian Press For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page .