Dennis King resigns as P.E.I. premier; Rob Lantz named interim leader
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King has announced his surprise resignation, stepping down as both the province’s leader and head of the Progressive Conservative Party effective Friday at noon.
Author: Isaac Lamoureux
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King has announced his surprise resignation, stepping down as both the province’s leader and head of the Progressive Conservative Party effective Friday at noon.
King, who had led the province since 2019, announced that his time as premier was up at a Thursday press conference. He described the decision as difficult but necessary for the province, the party, and his family.
“Over the holidays, I had a long conversation with my family, and we came to the decision at that time that I wouldn’t be reoffering in the next election,” King said. “I struggled with it because, in reality, there is no perfect time.”
King said he felt more runway was behind him than in front of him because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and threats to Canada’s sovereignty and economic uncertainty — all issues he said wouldn’t disappear soon.
He added that addressing these issues would require a leader who can dedicate every minute of every day of their attention for the next four years, which is why he decided to pass the baton.
Before the new premier was announced, King left a message for his successor.
“The job of Premier is a very special job. It’s a position that Islanders hold very dear. They keep a very close eye on you, and it’s a job that carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility,” said King. “But it’s also a great privilege and honour to sit in the chair. And for every second that you’re in that chair, I would ask you to please remember that there are good days and there will be tough days. But always remember, it’s about people.”
The new premier was announced shortly after King’s press conference.
The PC caucus has selected Housing Minister Rob Lantz as interim leader and the province’s 34th premier. Lantz was first elected as an MLA in 2023. He previously served as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island for seven months in 2015 and as a Charlottetown city councillor from 2006 to 2014.
King was first elected in 2019, breaking 12 years of Liberal rule and forming P.E.I.’s first minority government since 1890. He was re-elected in 2023 with a majority government.
During his tenure, King’s government introduced major policy changes, including healthcare reforms, tax reductions, and affordability initiatives.
King said his wife and kids have made tremendous sacrifices for him to be premier. Now he pledged to spend the rest of his life making it up to them.
This is how the resignation of a sitting Premier/Prime Minister should be handled. Resign, appoint an interim leader, and be gone. Our current federal situation is a shambles.