John Ottenheimer officially enters PC leadership race

The race is back on to become the next leader of the Progressive Conservative party and premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nominations for the race opened at noon on Monday, and former cabinet minister John Ottenheimer was the first candidate to file his papers.

Members of the provincial cabinet have indicated they are interested in entering the race, including Steve Kent.

Former leadership candidate Bill Barry told CBC News he is considering jumping back into the running.

Barry took his name out of the running during the race earlier this year, which left Frank Coleman as the lone contender.

Coleman backed out of the leadership last week, citing a seriousissue within his family that made it impossible for him to become the next premier.

The Tory leadership convention is set for September 12 and 13 at the Delta Convention Centre in St. John's.