The premier’s top spokesperson plans to take on the Liberal leader in the next provincial election.

Nicolle Carlin is expected to be acclaimed as the Progressive Conservative candidate in Fredericton South-Silverwood on Thursday night.

Also running there are Liberal Leader Susan Holt and CUPE communications rep Simon Ouellette for the Greens.

Carlin most recently served as deputy minister of strategic initiatives and communications in the premier’s office.

She has since resigned from that role, saying she wanted to turn her full attention to her campaign.

The next provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 21.