The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador has voted in John Hogan as the new leader, who will also take on the role of premier as former Premier Andrew Furey steps down.
Furey, a former surgeon who had been in politics for about five years, announced on Feb. 5 that he was resigning.
In a two-day Liberal leadership convention held in St. John’s on May 2-3, Hogan won with 77.48 percent of vote, beating his opponent, John Abbott.
Hogan, the former health minister, and Abbott, the ex-minister of housing, mental health and addictions, both stepped down from their government positions to compete for the role of party leader.
While campaigning, Hogan has said he understands cost of living concerns among voters, including seniors.
“Seniors are who built Newfoundland and Labrador,” Hogan said in an interview. “They want to live here and stay in their communities. I think we need to prioritize that.”
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Hogan, 47, worked as a lawyer at a small firm before being elected to government, and has two children aged 8 and 3.
He was first elected in 2021 and has served in various ministries, including the Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and House Leader. He has also been the provincial Attorney General.
During the leadership campaign, Hogan targeted health care, affordability, and wrapping up an energy deal with Quebec that could bring in $225 billion in revenue over the next 50 years.
Abbott’s platform was largely focused on seniors, housing and expanding cell service.
In his announcement in February, Furey said he did not intend to be a career politician and that he would return to his role as a surgeon.
“It is with a heart full of pride and hard-earned confidence in the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, that I must now move on,” he said, adding that he could not commit to another term in office.
Hogan will take on the premier’s role for a short time, as a provincial election will have to be called before November.
One of the issues that Hogan will have to grapple with is government spending. Newfoundland and Labrador is running a net debt of $19.4 billion, nearly double what is set aside for spending in the budget.
He will be the 15th premier of the province.
The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
