MLA Steven Myers vies for PC interim leader position

Progressive Conservative MLA Steven Myers has come forward as a contender to be interim leader of the provincial Tory party after Olive Crane announced her resignation last month.

Crane's decision shocked members of her party just before Christmas. The confusion increased when Crane said she would stay on as Opposition leader, keeping a salary of $111,000 per year, a government car and control over the Opposition office.

It would be unprecedented to see two leaders  — one being the Opposition leader and the other being the party leader —sitting side by side in the legislature.

The Kings County MLA said he wants to bring stability to the party.

"I think a lot of people believe that that should be one position. I have a tendency to agree with them that the two positions probably should be combined," Myers said.

"I'm certainly willing to take that on if the caucus asks me to and if they choose to not have me do it, then I respect that decision from them as well."

Myers says he's already told other Tory representatives about his decision. He said he told the party executive he has no plans to run for the permanent leadership position.

A vote on the interim leader of the party will take place at the end of February.

Crane was unavailable for comment.