Blaine Higgs set to run for Progressive Conservative leader

Former Progressive Conservative finance minister Blaine Higgswill officially enter the party's leadership race on Thursday.

Higgsis scheduled to make the announcement Thursday in his riding ofQuispamsis.

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Higgs was first elected in 2010 and served as finance minister in David Alward's government, establishing a reputation for straight talk and desire to cut government spending.

When the Alward government was defeated in 2014, Higgs retained his seat as the MLA for Quispamsis.

Prior to entering politics,Higgswas an executive with Irving Oil Ltd. in Saint John.

The party's leadership opened up whenAlward resigned following the 2014 election loss and was later named Canada's consulgeneral in Boston.

The party's leadership convention is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Fredericton.

Brian Macdonald, the MLA for Fredericton West-Hanwell, was the first candidate to officially enter the race.

Saint John Mayor Mel Norton and former Tobique Mactaquac MP Mike Allen arealso considering entering the race.

RiverviewMLA BruceFitchhas been leading the Tories on an interim basis.