P.E.I. Progressive Conservatives Voting Today on New Leader and Premier
Rob Lantz has emerged victorious in the Progressive Conservative leadership race in Prince Edward Island, positioning him to become the province’s next premier. The convention held on Saturday marked a significant turning point for the party, as Lantz secured 2,895 votes, equivalent to 53 percent. His opponent, Mark Ledwell, garnered 2,542 votes, translating to 46 percent.
Leadership Race Results
- Winner: Rob Lantz (2,895 votes, 53%)
- Runner-up: Mark Ledwell (2,542 votes, 46%)
- Total Votes Cast: 5,437
- Percentage of Eligible Voters: 87% (out of 6,132)
Despite his defeat, Ledwell pledged his full support to Lantz, emphasizing unity within the party. He stated, “Whoever wins, we get behind them,” indicating a commitment to serving the people of P.E.I. Ledwell also noted that his campaign focused on the need for renewal within the party.
Future Plans and Challenges
Lantz expressed his readiness to lead and outlined his priorities, including addressing critical energy capacity issues in the province. He has plans to revise the profit structure of Maritime Electric to better reflect performance-based metrics. “We need to modernize our regulatory infrastructure, and this is key for our energy future,” he stated.
Although Lantz does not foresee an immediate election due to the stability of the current mandate, he affirmed it remains a possibility. He noted, “I don’t think Islanders want to go to the polls,” highlighting the recent election of several party members.
Community Feedback
- Anne Christopher: Voted for Lantz, citing him as “the best man for the job” in addressing energy concerns.
- Mitchel Smelgrove: Supported Ledwell, believing his business background could bridge gaps in provincial-federal relations.
Lantz has previously served as the interim leader and interim premier, assuming this role in February 2025 after Dennis King’s resignation. Having stepped down in December to pursue the permanent leadership, he is expected to be sworn in as premier soon, with arrangements set to be finalized early this week.
As he prepares to take on his new role, Lantz plans to enjoy some family time and watch the Super Bowl before diving into the responsibilities of governance.
