Stratford-Kinlock MLA James Aylward has accomplished his dream of becoming the leader of the PEI Progressive Conservative Party.
He was announced the official winner on Friday evening at the Brudenell Resort as he won over Rustico-Emerald MLA Brad Trivers. He won by over 500 votes with an announced 1, 685. 2,799 ballots were cast with seven spoiled votes.
Aylward also ran in the 2015 provincial party leadership coming up short in a three-way race won by Lantz who resigned only four months later.
Jamie Fox took over as interim leader until last night.
Aylward in his victory speech said he’s already making plans for the party beginning with the PC Annual General Meeting on Saturday in Brudenell.
The new leader will guide the PC’s into the next election slated for 2019. There is also a byelection coming up within the next six months with the sudden resignation of Liberal Education Minister Doug Currie.
Aylward says they will be ready.
The PC’s have eight MLA’s in the Legislature.