Zach Churchill steps down as Nova Scotia Liberal leader

The leader of Nova Scotia’s Liberal party has resigned.

Zach Churchill stepped down on Tuesday morning, one day after a recount in Yarmouth confirmed he lost his own seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton.

“MLAs Derek Mombourquette and Iain Rankin have both agreed to serve as interim leader until a leadership race is held, splitting their time evenly,” said party press secretary Grace Evans in a release. “Effective today, Mombourquette will serve as interim leader and focus on rebuilding the party and advocating for Nova Scotians.”

Churchill led the Liberals to a crushing defeat in November’s provincial election, reducing the party to just two seats in legislature from the 14 seats the party held before the election.

The election was Churchill’s first as party leader. He was elected to the position in 2022 following the resignation of Iain Rankin.

Rankin and Mombourquette are currently the party’s only MLAs.

Meantime, Premier Tim Houston released a statement, thanking Churchill for his years of service to the province.

“His commitment to Yarmouth and Nova Scotia has had a meaningful impact and his efforts have been appreciated by many,” Houston said. “I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and I know he will enjoy more time at Sunday dinners with his wife and daughters.”

Churchill was first elected as the MLA for Yarmouth in 2010.

With files from The Canadian Press.