HALIFAX - Jamie Baillie has yet to be officially declared leader of Nova Scotia's Conservative party but caucus has just handed him the reins.

All eight members voted today to give him the job on an interim basis until an October convention validates his acclamation.

The party must still approve the decision at an executive meeting to be held this weekend.

Baillie was the only candidate to step forward before nominations closed on Monday.

He says he's looking forward to rebuilding the party after it was reduced from government to third-party status in last year's election.