Above: Kathy Dunderdale, the first female premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, stepped down on Wednesday after watching her popularity slide among her constituents and her own party. Ross Lord reports.
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Kathy Dunderdale is stepping down as premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and leader of the province’s Progressive Conservative party on Friday.
Dunderdale was under growing pressure after two members left the Tory caucus questioning her leadership.
Dunderdale says she is leaving the province in better shape, and listed her government’s accomplishments such as the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project and a stronger economy.
She was first elected in October 2003 to represent the St. John’s-area riding of Virginia Waters and took over as leader of the Tories after former premier Danny Williams quit politics in late 2010.
She was re-elected with a majority government in October 2011.
Finance Minister Tom Marshall will be interim premier.
The Tories have 34 seats in the legislature.
The Liberals have nine and the NDP have three.
There are also two Independent members.
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