Blaine Higgs has stepped down as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.

Longtime Saint John MLA Glen Savoie has been named interim leader, the party announced Monday.

Savoie was first elected in 2010 and has held several cabinet portfolios since then.

He has served as minister responsible for la Francophonie, minister of environment and climate change and minister of local government, as well as government house leader.

“Provincial Council for the PCNB party voted unanimously in favour of Glen Savoie as interim leader,” Erika Hachey, party president, said in a news release.

“The party looks forward to hearing Mr. Savoie’s address at our upcoming AGM on November 9.”

Savoie will also lead the opposition caucus of 16 PC MLAs elected in last week’s provincial election.

The election saw Higgs lose his own seat in Quispamsis to Liberal candidate Aaron Kenned.

No word yet on when a permanent leader will be selected by the party.