NDPers vote to keep Lorraine Michael as leader

Provincial New Democrats gaveleader Lorraine Michael a solid vote of confidence at their convention in St. John's on Saturday.

Delegates voted 75 per cent in favour of Michael continuing as leader of the party. The vote countwas 94 to 31.

"We're planning for an election, a relieved Michaeltold reporters after the vote. "We've got lots of work to do. The caucus members, the executive, the memberswe will continue to work together to do what needs to be done."

Theleadership review vote was held as part of the party'sweekend convention at the Holiday Inn in St. John's.

Delegateswere asked to vote'yes' or 'no' to the question of whether a leadership election should be held. An amendment to the party's constitution Saturdaymorning meant Michaelneeded at least 50 per cent of delegates to vote'no' in orderto stay on or avoid that test.

Michael could've also chosento step down if she felt the final vote displayed a lack of confidence in her leadership.But with 75 per cent voting for the status quo, that would now appear to be a moot point.

The contentious vote was triggered after Michael faced a number of challenges in the past six months, includingsomeMHAs and party executives openly questioned her leadership.

MHAsDale Kirby and ChristopherMitchelmoreeventually left the partyandjoinedthe Liberals in February.

On Saturday morning, Michael made an impassioned speech appealing for support ahead of theleadership review vote.Shetook some responsibility for last fall's caucus split, saying she should have listened more to MHAs' concerns.

But Michael also took credit for new whistleblower legislation, as well as the province's moratorium on fracking, and human rights protection for transgendered people.

Her speech receiveda standing ovation.

The weekend conventionwas competing with the long weekend and fine weather, butMHA George Murphy commented that the gathering was too important to miss or put off, adding "the time for camping can wait."

St. John's South-Mount Pearl MP Ryan Cleary was also in attendance, but said he wouldn'ttouch the leadership question "with a 10-foot pole."