Liberals order another vote for Exploits nomination

In an unexpected turnofevents, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party has announced that it will discard the results of an Aug. 4 nomination vote that saw Botwood Mayor Jerry Dean win the right to represent Exploits district.

Dean said he's "disappointed" with the decision, but added he'll pour his efforts into the nomination battle in hopes of winning another "significant" result.

"I'll get back in the saddle," Dean told CBC News Thursday.

A party committee hasconcluded that because of an administrative issue, not all the nominees received up-to-date party membership and supporter information.

The review was undertaken after one of the five candidates appealed the outcome. The party is not identifying who filed the appeal.

A new date for nominations will be announced soon, the party said in a statement.

Dean blamed a "glitch at the office in St. John's" for the decision toquash the original results.

The party does not release the vote numbers from nominations races, but Dean estimates he won the support of more than 50 per cent of those who participated.

The other candidates were David Alcock, Clayton Locke, Jim Samson and Mike Thomas.

The decision was announced Wednesday, the same day that Dean began a leave of absence from his mayoral position.

Deputy Mayor Scott Sceviourhas assumed the role of acting mayor.

The winner of the nomination will face incumbent Progressive Conservative MHA and Bishop's Falls resident Clayton Forsey, who has now served a decade in provincial politics.