Resignation shocks Tory party
Crane could stay on as interim leader
CBC News
Posted: Dec 6, 2012 8:09 AM AT
Last Updated: Dec 6, 2012 11:34 AM AT
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Crane announced her resignation at a hastily called news conference Wednesday. (Brendan Elliott/CBC)Even Olive Crane's closest colleagues were surprised when she resigned Wednesday as leader of P.E.I.'s Progressive Conservative party.
"I'll tell you, when I woke up this morning this isn't how I expected the day was going to go for me," said Opposition House Leader Steven Myers.
Crane defeated a motion just last month to have her leadership reviewed before the next election. She said at the time she would step aside if she felt she was hurting the party's chances of success. Crane's resignation came an hour after a poll showed continuing low levels of support for her leadership, though despite continued questioning she refused to connect the two events.
Premier Robert Ghiz was amongst those surprised by the announcement.
Premier Robert Ghiz wishes Crane well. (CBC)"She's someone who's been quite adamant about staying on as leader," said Ghiz.
"I still wish her well. Because I've been in the role of leader of the opposition and it is a hard job with a lot of demands, very little rewards. It's a challenging position."
There's a prevailing thought that Crane could stick around as interim leader until the next permanent leader is selected, and that would mean she'd keep her car and leader's salary.
Myers said a decision on interim leader will be made next month by the five caucus members.
Seven names to watch
Within hours of Crane's announcement, Tories were already throwing around names of possible replacements. Stratford-Kinlock MLA James Aylward is one of those names.
"That's not even something I would even want to comment on," said Aylward about the suggestion.
"I really feel that today we need to focus on Olive. This is her day."
Others on the list of names being thrown about include:
- Charlottetown councillor Rob Lantz.
- Lawyer Mark Ledwell.
- Jason Lee, one of the people pushing for a leadership review.
- Doug MacLean, former hockey executive turned sports commentator.
- Investment advisor and former federal candidate Darren Peters.
- Former candidate and website designer Brad Trivers.
Many within the party are saying it could be as far off as the spring of 2014 before a new leader is selected.
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