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Opposition Caucus Chair Oliver Langdon and Tom Lush, President of the
Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that
Twillingate-Fogo MHA Gerry Reid will become the Leader of the Provincial
Liberal Party and Leader of the Official Opposition as of 12:00pm Wednesday
afternoon. "After a very constructive and valuable meeting yesterday
afternoon, our caucus unanimously supported the appointment of Gerry Reid as
the new Leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Reid
has shown his effectiveness as an MHA for the past nine years in the House
of Assembly, and our caucus believes he will be an effective leader to guide
us through the coming months," said Mr. Langdon.
"The Executive Board of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador
met this morning with the new leader to give our unanimous endorsement to
his leadership. I look forward to working with Mr. Reid on various issues
over the coming months, and I am confident that his efforts will help us
retain a Liberal seat in the District of Exploits," said Mr. Lush.
Gerry Reid says he would like to thank former Leader Grimes for his past
efforts, and the caucus and Executive Board for their support. Mr. Reid also
says he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the coming months.
"I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of our caucus, and
indeed the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, to thank Roger Grimes
for his tremendous leadership over the past four and a half years. I would
also like to thank the Executive Board of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland
and Labrador and my colleagues for their support and encouragement. It is
very humbling to be asked to lead the Liberal party, but even more humbling
to have the support of your caucus colleagues and the hard working
volunteers that sit on the Executive Board of the party.
"Our caucus, and myself as Leader of the party, are ready to roll up our
sleeves and continue the work that needs to be done over the next two and a
half years. This government has made many negative decisions in their first
18 months in office and must continue to be challenged. We as the Official
Opposition will be there to hold them accountable for their decisions.
"The Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador is unified and strong. We
will continue to strengthen the party over the next two and a half years. We
have a strong team and we intend to make every effort to defeat the Williams
government in the next election. We will begin this process one seat at a
time, beginning in Exploits District."
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