Former PC leader Simms leaves housing agency

A former Tory leader in Newfoundland and Labrador has stepped down as head of the provincial government's public housing agency.

Len Simms has left his post as chair and chief executive officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corp.

The premier's office said Simms's contract had expired.

Simms, 63, who led the Progressive Conservatives into the 1993 election against then-premier Clyde Wells, represented Grand Falls district from 1979 to 1995.

Simms will still be busy in the weeks ahead, as he has joined the Tory campaign team at party headquarters in St. John's. Simms would have been forbidden to join the campaign if he had still been working at the agency.

An election call is expected by Monday for the Oct. 9 general election.