Thomas Burleigh expected to announce bid for leadership of P.E.I. New Democrats

A new candidate is expected to declare his intention to run for the leadership of Prince Edward Island's New Democratic Party.

Thomas Burleigh of Bideford is holding news conference Monday to announce his leadership intentions, according to a news release from the party. The announcement will take place at the O'Leary Community Centre at 11 a.m.

Burleigh is the general manager of Burleigh Bros. Seafoods, based in East Bideford, near Tyne Valley in western P.E.I.

The NDP is looking to fill a leadership role that's been vacant since late August when Michelle Neill stepped down after holding the position since April 2022. Nominations for the leadership race closed on Jan. 18, and Burleigh is the only announced candidate.

Herb Dickieson, a former MLA and leader of the provincial party, had announced his intention to run for the position in December, but withdrew earlier this week.

He is the first and only elected NDP MLA in the province's history, representing the party in the legislature from 1996 to 2000 and serving as leader from 1996 to 2002.

Dickieson cited optimism and confidence in the next generation of the party's leadership in announcing his withdrawal from the race.

The NDP leadership convention is scheduled for Feb. 7, the same day the Progressive Conservative Party of P.E.I. is holding its own leadership convention.