2014 Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership election
The 2014 Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labradorleadership election was prompted by Kathy Dunderdale's announcement on January 22, 2014, that she was resigning as premier and party leader. On January 24, 2014, Tom Marshall was sworn in as the 11th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. Prior to the nomination deadline, three accredited candidates entered the race; Frank Coleman, Bill Barry, and Wayne Bennett. On April 3, Bennett was removed from the race while on April 17, Barry voluntarily withdrew his nomination, resulting in Frank Coleman becoming leader-designate. Coleman was to officially become office leader on July 5, and subsequently premier, however, he never took either office after abruptly announcing on June 16, 2014 that he was leaving politics due to an unspecified "significant and challenging family matter." As a result of Coleman's withdrawal, the leadership race was postponed until September 13, 2014. Paul Davis won the election on the third ballot. On the second ballot, Davis lead John Ottenheimer by a single vote. However, due to one spoiled ballot, Davis had not received "more than 50 per cent of the valid ballots cast", as required by the party constitution. A third ballot was required; Davis won a clear majority of ballots cast on that final ballot.
Timing
On January 22, 2014, Kathy Dunderdale announced she was resigning as Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party later that week. Dunderdale asked her Minister of Finance Tom Marshall to replace her as premier and PC Party leader until the party could select a new leader. Marshall accepted the offer and on January 24, 2014, he was sworn in as the province's 11th Premier. Marshall had previously indicated that he would not be seeking re-election as the member of the House of Assembly for Humber East and therefore would not contest the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party. The party announced on February 5, 2014, that Sheila Kelly-Blackmore and Tommy Williams would serve as co-chairs of the leadership convention committee, and that the convention would be held on July 4–5, 2014. On February 14, the co-chairs announced that nominations would open on February 19, and close March 14, 2014. As a result of Frank Coleman's withdrawal, the leadership race had been postponed until September 13, 2014, with candidates able to be nominated between June 23, 2014 and July 7, 2014, and delegates being chosen over a one-month period ending August 14, 2014.
Candidates
Paul Davis">Paul Davis (Canadian politician)">Paul Davis
MHA for Mount Pearl North, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador, and Registrar General, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, Mayor of Mount Pearl, Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl
Frank Coleman">Frank Coleman (businessman)">Frank Coleman
CEO of the Coleman Group of Companies. Following the withdrawal of Bill Barry and removal of Wayne Bennett, Coleman was declared the winner by acclamation before subsequently withdrawing himself before officially being named leader.
Paul Oram, MHA Terra Nova, former minister of Health and Business
Kevin Pollard, MHA Baie Verte-Springdale
Shawn Skinner, MHA St. John's South, and former Minister of Natural Resources
Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Results
Despite Paul Davis winning the most votes on the second round of balloting, he could not be declared the winner without "more than 50 per cent of the valid ballots cast". A third ballot was required; Davis won a clear majority of votes cast on this final ballot.
