Iain Rankin takes over as interim leader of Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin is pictured.

Timberlea-Prospect MLA Iain Rankin has taken over as interim leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.

Rankin takes over for Sydney-Membertou MLA Derek Mombourquette.

Last year, when Zach Churchill stepped down as leader of the party, it was announced that Mombourquette and Rankin would share duties until a leadership race is held.

The Nova Scotia Liberals dropped to just two seats and lost official Opposition status in the November 2024 provincial election.

Mombourquette will now take on the duties of house leader.

Rankin says he is looking forward to being constructive in opposition as interim leader.

“Nova Scotians need to see public money spent more responsibly, with legislative oversight,” he said in a Monday news release from the Liberal caucus.

Rankin says, in his first act as interim leader, he will call for a “comprehensive economic strategy” in response to the province’s record $1.2-billion deficit.

“This government has been spending without any coherent plan, and itʼs put us in a vulnerable economic position that will affect Nova Scotians for generations,ˮ Rankin said.

“We need a long-term, disciplined economic plan that must include reviewing departmental over-spending, so we can both scale traditional sectors and help launch emerging industries to keep government programs sustainable.”

Rankin previously served as leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and premier in 2021.

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