George Murphy (Canadian politician)

George Walter Murphy (April 22, 1963 – June 5, 2021) was a Canadian politician, who served in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015.^[1][2] He represented the electoral district of St. John's East for the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party.

Murphy first ran for election as a Liberal candidate in the district of St. John's East in the 2003 election, placing second with 14.56 per cent of the vote.^[3]

In November 2010 Murphy decided to leave the Liberal party and run for the NDP nomination in the Conception Bay East-Bell Island by-election.^[4] Murphy placed second and received 26.14 per cent of the vote.^[5]

In the 2011 provincial election Murphy ran as the NDP candidate in St. John's East. Murphy garnered 52.11 per cent of the vote to win the seat.^[6][7]

On June 22, 2015, Murphy announced he would not be reoffering in the 2015 election.^[8] Part of Murphy's district of St. John's East had been redistricted with fellow NDP MHA Lorraine Michael's seat; Michael successfully ran in the new district. Murphy returned to his previous career as a taxi driver following the 2015 election.^[9]

Murphy has been the spokesperson of the Consumer Group for Fair Gas Prices since 2006, and regularly appeared in St. John's area media as a commentator on local gas prices.^[10] Murphy distanced himself from the NDP after leaving office.^[11]

In 2018, Murphy attended the NL Liberals' annual general meeting and stated that he supported the Liberals and Premier Dwight Ball.^[12][13]

Murphy contested the 2019 provincial election as the Liberal candidate in St. John's East-Quidi Vidi but lost to NDP leader Alison Coffin.^[14]

In 2021, Murphy unsuccessfully ran as the Liberal candidate in Harbour Main for the 2021 provincial election.^[15][16]

Murphy died of a heart attack on the evening of June 5, 2021 at his Seal Cove residence.^[17]