Dennis King steps down as Prince Edward Island’s premier after nearly 6 years in the job
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King announced his resignation on Thursday, marking the end of his nearly six-year tenure as the leader of the province. In a news conference attended by his cabinet members, King described his time as premier as “a privilege and an honour of a lifetime.” The 53-year-old Progressive Conservative politician also revealed that he would be stepping down as the leader of the PC Party and as the MLA for the district of Brackley-Hunter River, with his resignations taking effect at 1 p.m. on Friday.
During the press conference, King made it clear that he had no intention of seeking elected office again, ruling out the possibility of running for federal office. He explained that his decision to leave politics was the result of a long conversation with his family over the holidays, stating that he had struggled with the choice. Despite the challenges he faced during his time as premier, King emphasized that there had been more positives than negatives over the last six years.
King acknowledged the toll that the job of premier had taken on his mental health and his family, expressing gratitude for their support throughout his tenure. He became emotional when speaking about the sacrifices his loved ones had made due to the demands of his position, noting that they had often had to share him with the people of Prince Edward Island.
The premier highlighted the difficulties his government had faced, including the fight against U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and the challenges posed by hurricanes and disruptions in the potato industry. King also mentioned the tough decisions that had to be made during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of passing the leadership baton to someone who could take the provincial government further.
As an interim leader and premier would be chosen by the Progressive Conservative caucus and party executive members, King expressed confidence in the future of the party and the province. He thanked his constituents in District 15, Brackley-Hunter River, as well as all Islanders, for their trust and support during his time in office.
Despite the demands and pressures of being premier, King reflected on the positive impact he had been able to make during his tenure. His popularity remained high among Islanders, with recent data indicating that he was their preferred choice for premier. As King prepares to step down, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to the people of Prince Edward Island.
