Roger Melanson is the interim leader of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick. (Image: Roger Melanson/Facebook)
Interim Liberal Leader Roger Melanson will not put his name forward in the party’s upcoming leadership race.
A statement released by the party on Monday recognized the Dieppe MLA entertained the idea of throwing his hat in the ring but ultimately decided against it.
“After careful consideration and conversations with family and close friends, I have decided that I will not put my name forward in this leadership race,” Melanson said.
Melanson took over as Interim Leader of the Official Opposition of New Brunswick on Sept. 28, 2020.
Prior to that, Melanson had served in several roles since being elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly in 2010, including time as the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“I also will not continue serving as interim leader of Official Opposition beyond August 6 in the event the new leader isn’t a Member of the Legislative Assembly,” Melanson said.
Three people have already announced their candidacy for the Liberal leadership convention on Aug. 6, 2022, though none are currently members of the Legislative Assembly.
Both T.J. Harvey and Don Arseneault previously held elected positions in the province, Harvey as an MP and Arsenault as an MLA.
Businessman Seamus Byrne announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick in December.
