Angela Simmonds to run for Liberal leadership

The party’s Leadership Convention is scheduled to take place on July 9

CITYnews halifax \ Meghan Groff

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The MLA for Preston has launched her campaign to become the next leader of Nova Scotia’s Liberal Party.

Angela Simmonds is the first candidate to enter the race.

“I’m running because this party and province needs an approach to leadership that tells honest truths, and makes space for diverse views and works to stay in touch with every day Nova Scotians,” said Angela Simmonds in a video posted to social media.

Simmonds is a lawyer, and before being elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly last year, she was the Executive Director of the Land Titles Initiative in the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.

She is a member of the Law Amendments Committee and the House of Assembly Management Commission.

“While I have not been preparing my entire life for this, I believe that my life has definitely been preparing me,” she said on Facebook.

“Together, we will make our province a more affordable place to live, a better place to do business, and a fairer place to get a good start in life.”

Last month, Iain Rankin announced he’d be stepping down as head of the party, but would stay in the job until a new leader is chosen.

He said he plans to remain the MLA for Timberlea-Prospect.

Those hoping to replace him have until March 21 to register for the race with the Leadership Convention scheduled to take place on July 9.