Breaking News: Former PC Cabinet Minister Becky Druhan Joins Nova Scotia Liberal Party, plans to run for leader

Becky Druhan, the former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister who later sat as an Independent MLA, has officially joined the Nova Scotia Liberal Party.

Druhan, who represents Lunenburg West, was first elected in 2021 as part of Premier Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservative government. During her time in cabinet, she served as Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development before later becoming Justice Minister and Attorney General.

Druhan will assume the role of Liberal Caucus Chair and critic for a number of portfolios, including Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Addictions and Mental Health and Housing, among others. In a statement after announcing she is joining the provincial Liberal Party, she says she has consulted with constituents and reflected on the best way to represent Lunenburg West, adding that she believes the party shares her commitment to thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership that delivers accountable government, strong public services, and economic opportunity.

While speaking to reporters after the announcement on Monday, Druhan says she plans to run for Leader of the provincial Liberals. Her entrance into the party now gives the Liberals three seats in the legislature.

In October 2025, Druhan left the Progressive Conservative caucus following what she described as a “difference of principles” with party leadership. She continued to sit in the Nova Scotia Legislature as an Independent MLA.

Over the months that followed, Druhan became increasingly vocal about concerns surrounding centralized control within government and limits on dissent inside caucus. She publicly discussed frustrations involving staff interference and political messaging during her time in government.

Earlier this spring, Druhan said she would consult with constituents before deciding her political future. At the time, she stated that while serving as an Independent allowed her to hold government accountable, it also limited her ability to help build policy solutions.

Her move to the Liberals gives the party a high-profile MLA with cabinet experience and strong name recognition on the South Shore. The development is expected to reshape political dynamics in Lunenburg West, a riding previously represented by Liberal cabinet minister Mark Furey before Druhan’s 2021 election victory.