Rob Lantz Quits as P.E.I. Premier, Launches PC Leadership Bid

Rob Lantz officially stepped down as Prince Edward Island’s 34th premier on Thursday night, confirming that he will seek the permanent leadership of the province’s Progressive Conservative Party. Addressing supporters in Charlottetown, Lantz called it the “honour of my life” to serve the province and said his decision reflects his commitment to P.E.I.’s future.

The announcement came one day after the party confirmed its leadership convention for February 7 at the Eastlink Centre. Under party rules, Lantz was required to resign as interim leader within ten days of the convention date in order to compete for the top job.

Lantz has served as interim premier and party leader since February, following the resignation of former premier Dennis King. For months, he had avoided giving a definitive answer on whether he would run permanently.

He revealed on Thursday that he finalized his decision earlier this week, shortly after the byelection in District 2, where PC candidate Brendan Curran narrowly defeated Liberal Leader Robert Mitchell. According to Lantz, the result signalled continuing public confidence in the government.

Although he said the responsibility of leading the province made the decision difficult, he acknowledged that he had been consulting Islanders, party members, and caucus colleagues for months.

Lantz also confirmed that Deputy Premier Bloyce Thompson will be sworn in as the province’s 35th premier on Friday. Thompson, who also oversees justice, public safety, and agriculture portfolios, will become P.E.I.’s third premier in a single year.

With Lantz entering the contest, the PC leadership race now features two declared candidates. Lawyer Mark Ledwell, who announced his intention to run earlier this year, is also seeking the position. Lantz dismissed suggestions that his time as premier gives him an unfair advantage, saying he has been focused entirely on governing rather than campaigning.

Current PC MLAs are expected to support Lantz, while several prominent figures from former premier Pat Binns’s era—including Binns, Jamie Ballem, and Jamie Fox—are backing Ledwell. Party officials anticipate a competitive race, with the deadline for nominations set for December 24. Three public forums, one in each county, will take place beginning in mid-January.