2023 Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election explained

Party:Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador
Fontcolour:white
Year:2023
Date:October 13–15, 2023
Location:Sheraton Hotel
St. John's, NL
Replaces:Ches Crosbie
Winner:Tony Wakeham
Ballots:2
Numcands:3
Entryfee:$20,000
Spendcap:$225,000

The 2023 Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election was held between October 13–15, 2023 to select a successor to Ches Crosbie, who stepped down following his defeat in the 2021 Newfoundland and Labrador general election.[1] Candidate nominations opened May 17, 2023, and closed June 16, 2023. On October 14, 2023, MHA Tony Wakeham was narrowly elected leader on the second ballot.[2]

Timeline

Candidates approved by the party as accredited candidates

Eugene Manning

Businessman and former PC Party president

Date campaign launched: February 21, 2023

Candidate Accreditation: May 17, 2023

Campaign Website: www.eugenemanning.ca

Supporters
  • Former Party Leaders:
  • MHAs: Helen Conway-Ottenheimer, MHA for Harbour Main; Paul Dinn, MHA for Topsail-Paradise
  • Prominent Supporters: Sue Collins, 2019 and 2021 candidate for Fogo Island-Cape Freels; Devin Drover, former Crosbie staffer and 2022 Poilievre campaign chair for NL; Kristina Ennis, 2021 candidate for St. John's West; Janet Fryday Dorey, Former Executive Director of the Conservative Party of Canada; Judy Manning, NL Minister of Justice (2014-2015); Fabian Manning, NL Senator; John Ottenheimer, MHA for St. John's East (1996-2007); Gillian Pearson, 2019 candidate for Mount Pearl-Southlands; Charlene Walsh, 2019 and 2021 candidate for Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune.

    Lloyd Parrott

    MHA for Terra Nova (2019–present), Clarenville town councillor (2017–2019).

    Date campaign launched: July 4, 2022; Official launch: April 18, 2023[15]

    Candidate Accreditation: June 16, 2023

    Supporters
  • MHAs: Chris Tibbs, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans

    Tony Wakeham

    MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port (2019–present). Wakeham was a 2018 PC leadership candidate. He is the former CEO of Labrador-Grenfell Health. He also worked in senior health management roles in St. John's, Clarenville and Grand Falls-Windsor. Wakeham grew up in Placentia and studied economics at Memorial University. Wakeham, lives in Kippens, and also has deep roots in the sport of basketball, both as a player and coach at the provincial and federal levels. Wakeham previously served as President of the NLBA and Canada Basketball.[16] He and his wife Patricia have two adult children.[17]

    Date campaign launched: January 17, 2023

    Candidate Accreditation: May 19, 2023

    Campaign Website: www.tonywakeham.ca

    Supporters
  • Former Party Leaders: Len Simms, PC Leader (1991-1995);[18] Tom Marshall, 11th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador (2014).[19]
  • MHAs: Pleaman Forsey, MHA for Exploits; Loyola O'Driscoll, MHA for Ferryland;[20] Craig Pardy, MHA for Bonavista; Barry Petten, MHA for Conception Bay South; Joedy Wall, MHA for Cape St. Francis.
  • Former MHAs: Jim Baker, MHA for Labrador West (2007-2011);[21] Clyde Jackman, MHA for Burin-Placentia West (2003-2015); Glenn Tobin, MHA for Burin-Placentia West (1982-1996); Loyola Sullivan, MHA for Ferryland (1992-2006);[22] Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis (2008-2021);[23] Wallace "Wally" Young, MHA for St. Barbe (2001-2011).[24]
  • Former MPs: Bill Matthews, MP for Random—Burin—St. George's (1997-2008).[21]
  • Prominent Supporters: Leo Bonnell, Former Chairperson Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors;[25] Hal Cormier, Pasadena Municipal Councillor; Damian Follett, musician, 2021 candidate for Mount Scio;[26] Tony Oliver, former vice-president of the provincial party; Katarina Roxon, Canadian Paralympic Swimmer;[27] Nathan Ryan, PC Youth President (2020-2022), Ferryland Municipal Councillor; Paul Thomey, former President of the St. John's Board of Trade; Shannon Tobin, 2019 and 2021 candidate for Lake Melville.

    Opinion polling

    Leader preference among PC supporters

    width=20%Polling Firmwidth=16%Date of PollingLink align="center" width=19%Tony Wakeham align="center" width=19%Eugene Manning align="center" width=19%Lloyd Parrott align="center" width=19%Don't Know
    Abacus DataSeptember 19–25, 2023https://abacusdata.ca/newfoundland-and-labrador-liberals-and-pcs-are-statistically-tied-as-the-cost-of-living-and-healthcare-are-in-focus/29%16%7%48%

    Failed to qualify

    Wayne Ronald Bennett

    Former Mayor of Howley, former leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party (2008–2011), perennial candidate[28] [29] [30] [31]

    Date campaign launched: October 3, 2021

    Failed to qualify: June 16, 2023

    Declined to run

    Results

    (Voting Held October 4–14, 2023) [36]

    = Eliminated from next round

    = Winner

    Point allocation by ballot
    CandidateBallot 2
    NameVotesVotes
    Tony Wakeham 1,816
    45.4%         		2,091
    52.0%
    Eugene Manning 1,636
    40.9%     		1,909
    48.0%
    Lloyd Parrott 548
    13.7%     		Eliminated
    Total Points 4,000.00 4,000.00

    Notes and References

    1. News: Mullin . Malone . PC Leader Ches Crosbie stepping down as head of party . 1 August 2021 . CBC News . 31 March 2021.
    2. News: Tony Wakeham wins PC leadership, setting stage for next election . Oct 14, 2023 . CBC News . Oct 14, 2023.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. News: PC Party president steps down, hints at bid for leadership . 1 August 2021 . CBC News . 5 April 2021.
    6. Web site: Eugene Manning, Newfoundland PC party president, resigns. 6 April 2021 . SaltWire Network. 1 August 2021.
    7. 1428389582119309322. MikeConnors. The NL PC Party has released the rules for its leadership election, which it says will happen before the next general election.. 19 August 2019.
    8. News: Potential PC leadership candidates remain non-committal as party focuses on health care . 26 October 2021 . NTV News . 4 October 2021.
    9. Web site: Newfoundland and Labrador PC Party to host leadership convention in October 2023. 24 June 2022 . SaltWire Network. 1 August 2022.
    10. News: Roberts . Terry . Lloyd Parrott, first to enter race to guide the PC Party, says 'now is the time to lead' . 12 January 2023 . CBC News . 5 July 2022.
    11. News: Roberts . Darrell . David Brazil won't run for permanent PC leadership . 17 January 2023 . CBC News.
    12. Web site: MHA Tony Wakeham makes bid for PC Party's leadership. Jan 17, 2023 . Mike. Moore. CBC News. Jan 17, 2023.
    13. News: Singer . Jessica . Former N.L. PC Party President Eugene Manning enters Progressive Conservative leadership race. February 21, 2023 . CBC News. February 21, 2023.
    14. News: 3-way race for PC leadership, as nominations close . June 17, 2023 . CBC News. June 16, 2023.
    15. News: Lloyd Parrott holds formal launch for PC leadership campaign in Clarenville. NTV News. April 18, 2023. April 30, 2023.
    16. Web site: House of Assembly - NL - Tony Wakeham . 2023-02-04 . www.assembly.nl.ca.
    17. News: Tony Wakeham launches PC leadership quest with promises of new ideas, rebuilding confidence in party. CBC News. 5 December 2017. 6 December 2017.
    18. 1641854483922649088. MikeConnors. Tony Wakeham's leadership campaign says Wakeham has been endorsed by former PC leader Len Simms. #nlpoli. 21 June 2023.
    19. 1668282606926852096. TonyWakehamNL. Very proud to have the support of my friend, and the 11th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Hon. Tom Marshall. Tom's dedication to our province is commendable. His love for the people of Corner Brook and our great province is exceptional. I'm grateful to have his insight on #TeamTony.. 21 June 2023.
    20. 1663573970820517894. TonyWakehamNL. Loyola O’Driscoll is a strong voice for the residents in the District of Ferryland. His exceptional team building capabilities and drive to see our province succeed are invaluable assets to our party and our team. I’m proud to call him my friend. Join me as we welcome MHA @LoyolaOD to #TeamTony!. 21 June 2023.
    21. 1658917476296544259. TonyWakehamNL. While on the Burin Peninsula, it was great to catch up with former MHAs Bill Matthews, Jim Baker, Clyde Jackman, and Glenn Tobin. I’m glad to have their advice and support as I seek the PC Leadership. Thank you for being valued members of #TeamTony! Join us as we work together to make health care more accessible and the cost of living more affordable in our province.. 21 June 2023.
    22. 1663934685490171904. TonyWakehamNL. During his 15 years in office serving the fine people of Ferryland district, @LoyolaSullivan served as the Minister of Finance playing a pivotal role in shaping our province's economic future during a crucial time in our history. He also played a crucial role in negotiating the new Atlantic Accord on offshore oil revenues with the federal government. Loyola understands the significance of having a leader who can establish connections with grassroots members and new members, enabling us to be united, paving the way for a more prosperous future for our province. I'm glad to have Loyola Sullivan on my team. Thank you for your advice and friendship. Let's get to work!. 21 June 2023.
    23. 1666043511769112576. TonyWakehamNL. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit my friend Kevin Parsons who served the great people of Cape St. Francis for 13 years in the House of Assembly. His roots run deep in the district and he knows firsthand what needs to be done to get our province back on track. He also knows that having a leader with the ability to rally the party around a common united vision will ensure a prosperous future for our beloved province. Thank you my friend, for your support.. 21 June 2023.
    24. 1668591388777238531. TonyWakehamNL. Wally Young served the fine folks on the Great Northern Peninsula for 10 years in the House of Assembly. It was great to visit Wally in his hometown of Plum Point recently to discuss how we can do more as a province to help small business owners in the hospitality industry and to find ways to address some of the challenges facing the residents of the area such as health care accessibility and economic growth. Thank you for your warm hospitality, friendship, and support in the upcoming leadership race.. 21 June 2023.
    25. 1648359874605006849. TonyWakehamNL. As a community leader and advocate for seniors, Leo Bonnell recognizes the challenges that seniors in our province face. I'm proud to have Leo on our team. Join us, so we can make REAL change for seniors.. 21 June 2023.
    26. Web site: Teamwork and collaboration is not only important when around the caucus table, in the House of Assembly, or doing work in our districts. The power of... By Tony Wakeham, MHA, Stephenville-Port au Port Facebook . 2023-02-04 . www.facebook.com . en.
    27. Web site: As a Canadian Paralympic Champion, Katarina Roxon is a role model to many aspiring athletes both in and out of the pool. Raised in Kippens, Katarina is... By Tony Wakeham, MHA, Stephenville-Port au Port Facebook . 2023-02-04 . www.facebook.com . en.
    28. Web site: Wayne Bennett says he's ready to lead Conservatives . March 14, 2014 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20140314175954/http://www.thewesternstar.com/News/Local/2014-03-13/article-3647051/Wayne-Bennett-says-he%26rsquo%3Bs-ready-to-lead-Conservatives/1 . 14 March 2014 . dead.
    29. News: Wayne Bennett's tweets about Muslims threaten leadership bid. March 29, 2014. CBC News.
    30. News: Wayne Bennett bounced from PC leadership race. April 3, 2014. CBC News.
    31. News: Rejected by NDP, Howley mayor threatens legal action. March 5, 2018. CBC News.
    32. News: Roberts . Darrell . The PC Party has a date for its leadership race — and interim Leader David Brazil now says he might run . 12 January 2023 . CBC News . 24 June 2022.
    33. News: Mayor Danny Breen Not Ruling Out Run For Tories' Top Job . 17 January 2023 . VOCM . 7 July 2022.
    34. 1377276163358400512. MikeConnors. David Brazil says he will not run for the PC leadership. Barry Petten doesn't rule it out but says he has no intention right now.. 19 August 2019.
    35. News: Sweet . Barb . Crocker . Diane . After Ches Crosbie quits, PCs in Newfoundland and Labrador say leadership aspirations can wait . 19 August 2021 . SaltWire . 31 March 2021.
    36. News: Wakeham Claims PC Party Leadership With Second-Ballot Victory . Oct 14, 2023 . VOCM News . Oct 14, 2023.

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