Robert Mitchell resigns as P.E.I. Liberal Party leader days after byelection loss

Days after losing the Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection, Robert Mitchell is stepping down as leader of the P.E.I. Liberal Party.

Robert Mitchell resigns as P.E.I. Liberal Party leader days after byelection loss 'I am grateful for my family, my friends, my staff, and the countless volunteers' Days after losing the Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection, Robert Mitchell is stepping down as leader of the P.E.I. Liberal Party. Mitchell made the announcement on social media Wednesday afternoon. "I am grateful for my family, my friends, my staff, and the countless volunteers who have stood beside me throughout my political life.

Some have been with me since I first ran for office in 2003," he said. "No matter when you came aboard, you became part of something bigger than any one campaign, and I will be forever indebted to the hundreds of people who believed in me and gave their time, energy, and friendship over the years." Mitchell lost the District 16 byelection Monday night, trailing prevailing candidate Tayte Willows of the P.E.I. Green Party by a 229-vote margin: 955 to Willows's 1,184.

It was his second byelection loss, losing the District 2 Georgetown-Pownal byelection Dec. 8 last year to current Progressive Conservative MLA Brendan Curran. In his post, Mitchell, a former cabinet minister, extended congratulations to Willows and recalled initially being elected, calling it "an incredible honour and a humbling responsibility." He also thanked PC candidate Caley McDonald and NDP candidate Craig Nash for putting their names forward in the byelection.

"I sincerely wish Tayte every success as she begins this chapter, and I hope she always approaches the role with respect for the people she represents and for the history of our province." Mitchell thanked "every Liberal who believed in me," including volunteers, donors and staff for their efforts as well as Islanders "who challenged me, encouraged me, or simply took the time to share their story." Green candidate Tayte Willows wins Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection - Video P.E.I. Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell talks about running in the Cornwall-Meadowbank byelection "Leading the Prince Edward Island Liberal Party has been one of the greatest honours of my life," he said.

"Prince Edward Island has given me so much throughout my life. While this chapter is ending, my commitment to this province never will." What's next for Mitchell?

He said his immediate plan is to visit family in Halifax.