Former Premier Iain Rankin Stepping Down As Liberal Leader

After losing the August provincial election to Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservatives, Liberal Leader Iain Rankin is stepping down from his position at the top of Nova Scotia’s Liberal Party.

He informed caucus of his decision at Wednesday morning’s meeting.

Rankin will stay on at the helm until the party picks their next leader. Rankin also says he will remain as MLA for Timberlea-Prospect.

“Iain spent many years in service to Nova Scotians, first as Minister and then as Premier during a very challenging time in the pandemic,” said Premier Tim Houston in a release. “I understand the weight of making tough decisions to keep Nova Scotians safe, and I thank him for his service. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”

Elected as a first time MLA in 2013, Rankin won the leadership after Premier Stephen McNeil left politics in 2021.

Nova Scotia’s NDP party is also due to replace leader Gary Burrill in the coming months after he announced he was leaving the party’s top post.