ANTIGONISH - This week, the TELILE 24/7 Podcast puts the focus on the coming changes to the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and the province's overall political scene, with the final interview in our series about the party's leadership candidates and a chat with a former MLA and cabinet minister for outgoing Premier Stephen McNeil.

We begin with Antigonish MLA Randy Delorey, who is hoping to come out on top in a three-man race that culminates with a virtual leadership convention on Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6. First elected in 2013, Delorey has served as Minister of Finance, Health and Environment, and is hoping his consultative approach - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic - will help him to win over Liberal delegates this winter and Nova Scotia voters in a general election that must be called no later than May 2022.

Rounding out the podcast is Michel Samson, who served for 19 years in the constituencies of Richmond and Cape Breton-Richmond and took on the portfolios of Economic and Rural Development, Tourism and Energy during the first term of the McNeil Liberal administration. Now working at the Halifax-based law firm of Cox and Palmer, Samson spoke to TELILE 24/7 host Adam Cooke last August, shortly after McNeil announced his decision to leave provincial politics this winter. The Petit de Grat native feels that McNeil showed more of his true self - including his sense of humour, his paternal instincts and his compassion - during the COVID-19 pandemic during any other time in McNeil's 18-year career in provincial politics. Samson feels this reaction - including the oft-quoted phrase "Stay The Blazes Home" - will truly cement McNeil's political legacy.