Liberals tap Fred Hutton to run in Conception Bay East-Bell Island byelection

Three candidates have now been set in the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador byelection in Conception Bay East-Bell Island, as the Liberal party has named Fred Hutton as its candidate.

Confirming one of the worst-kept secrets inprovincial politics, Hutton was announced as the candidate Wednesday at an event that included Premier Andrew Furey and several government ministers. Huttonwill run against the Progressive Conservative Party's Tina Neary and Kimberly Churchill representing the NDP.

Hutton's candidacy in the byelection was leaked last month, when PC Leader Tony Wakehamtold reporters on Nov. 16 he already knew he would be the Liberal candidate.However, neither Hutton nor the Liberal Party would confirm his candidacy.

"So apparently, the rumours are true. It is Fred," Hutton said with a smile Wednesday night. "Although some people knew a month before I did, apparently."

Hutton is known across Newfoundland and Labrador as a prominent former journalist, with stints at NTV, VOCM and the CBC.

He has also served as an advisor toFurey since he was elected in 2020, and often travels with Furey to news conferences and events. Hutton told reporters he took a leave of absence from the office effective last week.

"Fred and I have spent countless hours together since 2020. Countless. I spent more time with Fred than I have with my beautiful wife," Furey said. "You get to know somebody when you spend that many hours together. I am so proud to have Fred put his name forward."

A lifelong resident of the district, Hutton said he knows the issues of the region a need forbetter health care, the rising cost of living and supportfor a growing small business sector.

WATCH I Fred Hutton says he's ready to bring the public trust he earned as a journalist to the House of Assembly:

Fred Hutton says he's ready to work for the people of Conception Bay East-Bell Island

9 months ago

Duration 0:53

Fred Hutton was announced as the Liberal party candidate in the upcoming byelection that covers his home of Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. If elected, the former journalist says he'll bring the same trust he built as a reporter to the House of Assembly.

Hutton said he hopes to take the fairness, compassion and people skills he learned as a journalist to the House of Assembly.

"There's something about this place. Not just Newfoundland and Labrador, but this community. I watched it grow. I've grown here, we raised our children here," he said.

"It's our home. I know the people, I know the issues, and you know me. I will work hard for each and every person in this district every day."

The three candidates are vying to fill the chair of David Brazil, the former interim PC leader who will step away from politics to focus on his health. Brazilhas said his last day is Dec. 29.

A date for the election hasn't been announced, but Furey told reporters he'llbe thinking about it over the Christmas break. He confirmed a byelection will be called, and not a general election.

The district has voted Conservative for the last 20 years, but Furey said he, Hutton and his team are beginning the journey to turn the district red.

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