Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson has announced he will not seek the leadership of the New Brunswick Liberal Party. (File photo/Acadia News)
Another high-profile Liberal will not be on the ballot when the provincial party selects a new leader in Saint John on June 22.
In a Facebook post Sunday, Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson announced he will not be seeking the leadership.
“I am confident that party members will [choose] a leader who will be inclusive, open to diversity, listens to the people and is able to unify us, New Brunswickers,” wrote Melanson.
“I strongly encourage those who are thinking about running for the leadership of our party, to take up this very important challenge for the future of our province.”
Melanson, who served as finance minister for nearly three years under the previous Brian Gallant government, went on to thank those who encouraged him to run as leader over the past few weeks.
“The confidence and trust that you have placed in me has moved me deeply and will never be forgotten,” he said.
Déclaration – Chefferie du parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick / Declaration – Leadership of the New Brunswick Liberal Party https://t.co/7MfsVbyu1t
— Roger Melanson (@RogerMelanson) February 3, 2019
Last week, defeated Liberal candidate Susan Holt and Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long officially took themselves out of the race.
Kevin Vickers also stepped down as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, fueling speculation he may put his name forward.
Gallant announced his plans to resign in mid-November after the party failed to form a minority government.
A month later, Gallant said he would step down at the next caucus meeting to pave the way for a new leader.
An interim leader will be chosen at the party’s caucus meeting in mid-February.
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