No talk of reopening Liberal leadership nominations ahead of review

There hasbeen no discussion on reopening nominations for the Liberal leadership race ahead of Friday's review.

Michael King, executive director of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, told CBC News in an email that nominations for the leadership and,as a result, the premiership closed March 6 and there are no plans to reopen them.

"The leadership election is simply on pause and will be reviewed on May 1," King wrote.

There has been a surge of support online for Health Minister John Haggie since he assumed a key leadership position during the COVID-19 crisis, appearing front and centre during each daily briefing to the province.

Haggie told CBC News he would reconsider running for the leadership should the party decide to reopen the nominations.

The Liberal party put the race for premier on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Abbott was the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring, and hiscampaign was first to call for the suspension of the race.

• Former N.L. bureaucrat John Abbott first to confirm he will seek Liberal leadership

Abbott, 63, was axed as deputy minister of health a year ago over controversial comments he made about health-care spending. He says the decision came from Premier Dwight Ball's office.

The CEO of the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association had never previously sought elected office, and has a long track record in public service and health-care consulting, both at the provincial and national levels.

• Andrew Furey kicks off campaign for Liberal leadership

Orthopedic surgeon and TeamBroken Earth founderAndrew Furey, who has gained the support of many cabinet ministers, is challenging Abbott.

Both candidates had to put up $25,000 to enter the race.

Once the leadership race is back on track the campaigns will have an opportunity to sign up more voters as that had also been on pause.

Friday's review will determinewhether the situation has improved enough to set a new date for the vote, which could happen by phone or online.

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