HALIFAX, NS - Karen Casey has been selected by the Progressive Conservative Caucus to serve as interim leader. Casey was chosen unanimously by her caucus colleagues following the decision by former Premier Rodney MacDonald to step down as PC Party leader.
The Executive Committee of the Progressive Conservative Party unanimously approved the selection in a conference call Wednesday.
Casey says she is "honoured by the trust my colleagues and the PC Party have placed in me".
"I look forward to working with the PC Caucus, the PC Party and all Nova Scotians as we move forward in rebuilding this party," said Casey.
Karen Casey was first elected as MLA for Colchester North in 2006. She served in senior portfolios as Minister of Education and later as Minister of Health in the previous PC government. Casey was an educator and administrator before entering politics.
Progressive Conservative Party president Scott Armstrong says Casey's selection as interim leader is the first step in a renewal process that will see the Progressive Conservatives rebuild after an electoral defeat on June 9th.
"Karen will be working to engage Nova Scotians in the renewal of our party and she will ensure that broad consultation takes place," said Armstrong. "She is a capable and respected member of our caucus and we expect she will strengthen the party as we prepare for a future leadership race."
Armstrong received notification from Rodney MacDonald on Tuesday afternoon that he would step down as leader of the party. MacDonald became leader of the PC Party, and Premier of Nova Scotia, in February of 2006. He will continue to serve as MLA for Inverness.
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