Former federal cabinet minister John Efford is denying rumours that he is considering a return to provincial politics.
Efford, who left his natural resources cabinet post last year and did not seek re-election in January, has been the subject of gossip in Liberal party circles that he may be interested in a political comeback.
- FROM NOV. 22, 2005: Efford confirms end to his political career
Efford said there is no truth to those rumours, and that he is not interested in leading the provincial party.
John Efford says he has no interest in making another bid for the leadership of the provincial Liberal party. (CBC)
Efford had sought that job in an often bitter leadership contest in 2001, when Roger Grimes won the post by 14 votes.
Efford, who had represented the provincial district of Port de Grave for 16 years and had held a series of provincial cabinet posts, later resigned his seat.
He later won election federally and served in former prime minister Paul Martin's cabinet.
Efford said his political career is over and that the diabetes that forced him to take a leave of absence from his federal cabinet responsibilities is under control.
Efford said he is now enjoying his best quality of life in more than 20 years.
On Monday, the executive of the provincial Liberal party appointed Gerry Reid as full-time leader of the party.
The decision, which effectively cancelled another leadership contest, will need to be ratified at a party convention next week in Gander.
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