2023 New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election explained
| Party: | New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Fontcolour: | white |
| Year: | 2023 |
| Replaces: | Alison Coffin |
| Winner: | Jim Dinn |
| Ballots: | acclamation |
The 2023 New Democratic Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election was prompted by the departure of Alison Coffin, who resigned after the provincial New Democratic Party voted to hold a leadership review.[1] On March 28, 2023, interim leader Jim Dinn was acclaimed leader after no other candidates entered.
Timeline
- March 27, 2021 – The preliminary results of the provincial election are announced, where Premier Andrew Furey is re-elected with a slim majority.[2] Alison Coffin, the party's leader, narrowly loses her seat in St. John's East-Quidi Vidi to Liberal candidate John Abbott.[3]
- March 28, 2021 – Coffin announces that she has no intention to resign as leader of her party after her electoral defeat.[4]
- April 1, 2021 – Coffin requests a recount in her home district.[5]
- May 12, 2021 – Supreme Court Justice Donald Burrage rejects Coffin's bid for a recount, arguing that there was not sufficient evidence.[6] Coffin remains as the party's leader.
- October 16, 2021 – The party's provincial convention is held, with the majority of delegates voting in favour of a leadership review. Coffin states that she will remain as party leader even if a formal leadership race is called.[7]
- October 19, 2021 – Coffin reverses her initial decision and resigns as party leader. MHA Jim Dinn is named as the party's interim leader. Party president Kyle Rees suggests that the party may wait "up to a year" before opening up nominations.
- January 1, 2023 – Interim leader Dinn suggests that the provincial NDP will be holding a leadership convention in the fall of 2023. He also states that he does not intend on becoming a candidate.[8]
- January 14, 2023 – In an interview with CBC News, Dinn says that he is considering running as the permanent leader of the provincial NDP following much encouragement from the party and his family.[9]
- February 15, 2023 – The party opens up candidate nominations.[10]
- February 16, 2023 – Dinn officially announces his candidacy.[11]
- March 27, 2023 – Candidate nominations are set to be closed. If Dinn remains the only candidate, he will be elected by acclamation.
- March 28, 2023 - Dinn was acclaimed leader after no other candidates entered.[12]
Declared candidates
Interim leader of the New Democrats (2021–present), MHA for St. John's Centre (2019–present), President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) (2013–2017)
Date campaign launched: February 16, 2023
- Supporters
MHAs: Jordan Brown, MHA for Labrador West;[13] Lela Evans, MHA for Torngat Mountains
Former MHAs: Gerry Rogers, leader of the NDP (2018-2019), MHA for St. John's Centre (2011-2019)Declined to run
- Chris Bruce, 2015 leadership candidate, former member of NDP executive, farmer.
- Mark Gruchy, lawyer, 2015 candidate in Cape St. Francis.
- Sheilagh O'Leary, current Deputy Mayor of St. John's (2017–present), NDP by-election candidate in Virginia Waters (2014) and candidate in Mount Scio (2021).
- Lana Payne, current President of Unifor, former Atlantic Director for Unifor and NDP organizer.
- Mansoor Pirzada, NDP 2021 federal election nomination candidate in St. John's East, current president of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Notes and References
- News: Alison Coffin stepping down as NDP leader in N.L. . 20 October 2021 . CBC News . 19 October 2021.
- News: Mullin . Malone . Liberals claim slim majority in Newfoundland and Labrador, as voters tap Furey to lead . 1 August 2021 . CBC News . 27 March 2021.
- Web site: 'We pulled it off': Meet the candidates who took down the opposition leaders. Mar 30, 2021 . Alex. Kennedy. CBC News. May 30, 2021.
- News: Coffin Not Resigning as NDP Leader Yet . 20 October 2021 . VOCM . 28 March 2021.
- News: Smellie . Sarah . Leader of Newfoundland and Labrador NDP files for recount after 53-vote election loss . 20 October 2021 . CTV News . 1 April 2020.
- News: Judge dismisses Coffin's bid for recount in St. John's East-Quidi Vidi . 20 October 2021 . CBC News . 12 May 2021.
- News: N.L. NDP delegates vote in favour of leadership review . 20 October 2021 . CBC News . 16 October 2021.
- News: Dinn Not Considering NDP Leadership Run . 17 February 2023 . VOCM . 1 January 2023.
- News: Cowan . Peter . Jim Dinn may seek permanent NDP leadership role as party looks ahead to 2023 . 17 February 2023 . CBC News . 15 January 2023.
- Web site: NL NDP Opens Nominations for Party Leadership . . 17 February 2023.
- News: Cowan . Peter . Jim Dinn announces candidacy to take over N.L. NDP leadership full time . 17 February 2023 . CBC News . 16 February 2023.
- News: Jim Dinn removes 'interim' tag after being acclaimed NDP leader. 28 March 2023 . CBC News . 28 March 2023.
- 1626335875935117315. JordanLabCity. I want to congratulate my colleague and friend @JimDinn for announcing his bid for the Leadership of @NLNDP, you have my Support 110%. 16 February 2023. Jordan Brown. 16 February 2023.
