ANDY WALKER: Mitchell back in the political arena

Robert Mitchell, a former cabinet minister in the government of Wade MacLauchlan, is the new leader of the Liberal Party of P.E.I. Mitchell won a party leadership vote by a wide margin. Photo by Stu Neatby /The GuardianArticle contentRobert Mitchell has completed the first phase of his return to the political arena.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMost political observers felt, quite rightly as it turned out, the Liberal leadership was his to lose. The former MLA and cabinet minister entered the race last May and, from the beginning, followed the sage political advice of campaigning like you are ten points behind. It looked like he would become the third consecutive Liberal leader to win the post by acclamation until businessman Todd Cormier entered the race at the last possible second.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentHaving a contested leadership was vital to the job of reenergizing the party. Mitchell made effective use of social media and both candidates put their noses to the grindstone to recruit new members. Cormier started the race in a huge hole – not only was he a latecomer, but he also didn’t have name recognition or history in the Liberal party of his opponent.Article contentCormier didn’t do himself any favours when he indicated in a television interview the day before the convention that he often didn’t bother to vote in elections. Mitchell won in a cakewalk, securing 2,372 of the 2,882 ballots cast.Article contentWhile he took some time in the days following the convention to savour the victory, the seasoned politician knows all too well the real challenges will come over the next two years as his party prepares for a provincial election that is currently scheduled for October of 2027.Article contentArticle content Robert Mitchell bested entrepreneur Todd Cormier, the former owner of Eastern Fabricators. Cormier’s campaign had been more focused on specific policy ideas, including a proposal to require UPEI medical students to practise on P.E.I. after graduation. Photo by Stu Neatby /The GuardianArticle contentGiven the fact no premier has ever respected the fixed election law since it was passed in 2008, the smart money says there will be a vote before that. Mitchell also believes that will be the case, predicting in several media interviews following the convention a vote will come shortly after the Progressive Conservatives choose a permanent leader – likely sometime next year.Article contentWhile there is no date for the convention, the race is already well underway between Montague-Kilmuir MLA Cory Deagle and businessman Mark Ledwell. Rob Lantz took over as premier and interim party leader following the surprise resignation of Dennis King in February.Article contentThe Liberals were actually the second party to choose a new leader this year, as Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane took over as Green Party leader and Leader of the Third Party this summer. While Mitchell took over the party leadership from Hal Perry as soon as the results were announced, things aren’t quite as simple on the legislature front. Leader of the Opposition is a legislative office, meaning you have to be an MLA to hold it.