Former PC cabinet minister Darin King trades in politics for trades council

Former provincial cabinet minister Darin King has a new job.

• Darin King, veteran PC minister, announces retirement from politics

King confirmed Thursday he is the new executive director for the Newfoundland and Labrador Building and Construction Trades Council, and its companion organization, the Resource Development Trades Council.

He served for just under a decade as the Progressive Conservative MHA for Grand Bank, and held several key cabinet portfolios, including education, justice and business.

He was CEO/director of education for the former Eastern School District before entering politics in 2007.

'Extensive executive search'

King's appointment became official on Monday, and followed an "extensive executive search," according to a news release.

"We look forward tohis leadership as our organization embraces the many challenges that lay ahead of us," said president Pat McCormick.

King did not seek re-election in November's provincial general election, which saw the PCs swept from power by the resurgent Liberals.

King cited the strain on his home life as one of the reasons why he chose to leave politics.

The Newfoundland Labrador Building Construction Trades Council and Resource Development Trades Councilsrepresent 16 construction unions in the province.