SPRINGHILL – Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative leader Jamie Baillie will seek to replace retiring Murray Scott as MLA of Cumberland South.
Baillie confirmed Wednesday, he will seek the Cumberland South Progressive Conservative Riding Association’s blessing to run as its candidate in a yet uncalled byelection, during an emotional sendoff for MLA Murray Scott, who made his retirement official yesterday.
It was widely speculated Baillie would parachute into the riding since taking control of the Progressive Conservatives in August, but the truth is, association president Doug Marshall said, it was the executive who went after the leader to throw his hat into the nomination ring.
“On Aug. 25, the executive passed a motion unanimously to have Jamie run as candidate for Cumberland South,” Marshall said. “We talked and he is very focused on rebuilding the party and the executive decided it wanted to be part of rebuilding the party...I believe he will be a strong voice for Nova Scotians and a strong voice for Cumberland South.”
Getting the green light from the riding association, Baillie said, presents him with an opportunity to rebuild the party from what he says is one of the hardest-hit regions since the NDP took power in 2009.
“I am humbled, driven and proud to accept the invitation of the Cumberland South Progressive Conservatives and I will be your MLA,” Baillie told the audience of political dignitaries, constituents and well wishers who came to see Scott off. “I ask for your help to build a better Cumberland South and a better Nova Scotia.”
