Rob Lantz confirms he won't run for permanent leadership of P.E.I. Progressive Conservatives

Premier Rob Lantz says he won't seek the permanent leadership of P.E.I.'s Progressive Conservative Party, after previously saying people had been asking him to run for the position.

The news came in a social media post Wednesday afternoon. 

"After much consideration, the best decision for Islanders and the PC Party is to continue my role as interim leader until the party selects a new permanent leader," the message said. "Until that time, I am dedicated to continuing to serve as premier."

His office later confirmed to CBC News that the post was real and that Lantz will not run for the leadership. 

Lantz became P.E.I.'s premier on Feb. 21 as he took over the interim leadership of the party in the wake of Dennis King's sudden resignation from both roles in February. King went on to accept a federal appointment as Canada's ambassador to Ireland. 

Lantz had initially said he wasn't interested in the job permanently, telling CBC News: "I may very much enjoy doing this job and regret that I don't put myself forward for that permanent leadership."  

He released a statement in late May saying he would no longer rule out doing just that.  

"Many Islanders have approached me about reconsidering my stance on running for the leadership of the PC Party," he said in the statement. "I owe it to those who have been encouraging me to have a conversation with them and hear what they have to say — and that's what I am doing right now."

The latest message, on Wednesday, seems to indicate that Lantz has made up his mind for good. 

"I appreciate the support from those who encouraged me to reconsider my original position," it said. 

Until a new leader is chosen, it added, "The province needs someone focused on the day-to-day job of governing, with a seat at the national table, delivering on the priorities of Islanders, and I am committed to doing just that."

Montague-Kilmuir MLA Cory Deagle and Stratford lawyer Mark Ledwell have announced leadership bids, and the party's president, Sydney Gallant, has said a party search committee is actively recruiting candidates. 

No date has been announced for the leadership convention. 

That's partly because two byelections must be called by August at the latest in districts formerly held by King (Brackley-Hunter River) and former education and early years minister Natalie Jameson (Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park).