ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Lorraine Michael is ending her political career.
New Democratic Leader Alison Coffin made the announcement on Thursday morning in St. John’s.
NDP MHA Lorraine Michael will not seek re-election in 2019. Is supporting run of NDP leader Alison Coffin for St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi. #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/y5cFB8xUUi
— Ashley Fitzpatrick (@TeleFitz) March 14, 2019
Michael is stepping aside to let leader Coffin seek the NDP nomination in St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi.
Michael says it's important to have the party leader sitting in the House of Assembly.
“This morning I am here to say I will not be seeking re-election to the House of Assembly in 2019," said Michael, before thanking her constituents for their years of support.
“Today I step aside and I ask them to trust me again, as I support the new leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador NDP Alison Coffin.”
Michael's resignation clears the path for Coffin to run in St. John's East-Quidi Vidi in the coming election.
Coffin says the move allows the NDP to focus on the coming election.
“We are focused on setting ourselves up for success in the 2019 general election,” said Coffin.
“Voters want change and I want the New Democratic Party to be their choice for change.”
Michael began her political career in 2006 after announcing her intention to seek the NDP leadership following the resignation of Jack Harris as party leader.
She’s held the district of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi in various forms since then, fighting off a number of high profile challengers for the seat throughout her career.
Michael has a long history of social activism. She was a nun in the Roman Catholic Church, until she left the church in protest of the church’s handling of sexual assault allegations. She’s worked on a number of coalitions for social justice, including the National Action Committee on the Status of Women.
Earlier this year, deputy mayor Sheilagh O’Leary announced her intention to challenge Michael for the NDP nomination in the district.
O'Leary had no comment immediately following the announcement.
Twitter: @DavidMaherNL & @TeleFitz
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