Former NB cabinet minister Daniel Allain launches PC leadership bid, aiming to rebuild party after 2024 election loss.

Daniel Allain, a former New Brunswick cabinet minister, has officially launched his bid to lead the provincial Progressive Conservative party, becoming the first candidate to announce. He made the announcement in Moncton on October 17, 2025, following months of consultations. Allain, who served as MLA for Moncton East and was removed from cabinet in 2023 over a letter criticizing school policies on gender identity, aims to rebuild the party after its 2024 election loss, in which it won 16 of 49 seats. He describes himself as fiscally conservative and socially progressive, emphasizing inclusivity for urban and rural residents, francophones, and anglophones. Focusing on unity, he highlighted public safety, health care, and education as key priorities. His candidacy follows interim leader Glen Savoie’s decision not to run, and with another former cabinet minister, Kris Austin, reportedly considering a bid. The new leader will be chosen in October 2026.