Conception Bay South byelection set for Nov. 5

Voters in the provincial district of Conception Bay South will elect a new MHA on Nov. 5, in the first electoral test of Premier Paul Davis.

A writ for the byelection was issued Tuesday, the same day that the governing Progressive Conservatives announced that Barry Petten will be their candidate for the vote.

Petten, who was acclaimed as the Tory candidate, had been the executive assistant to former cabinet minister Terry French, who retired from politics last month. French had represented the district for 12 years.

Rex Hillier, a town councillor in Conception Bay South, won the Liberal nomination in July.

The NDP has not yet called for nominations.

An advance poll will take place on Oct. 29.