PD general secretary leaves party role

The general secretary of the Progressive Democrats John Higgins is stepping down from his position.

Higgins has announced that he's leaving his job with the party to become chief executive of the Retirement Planning Council.

Mr Higgins has been general secretary of the PDs for nearly ten years, and has acted as national director of elections for the party.

Meanwhile, two PD senators are competing to become the new party leader.

Fiona O'Malley and Ciaran Cannon announced their intentions to run at a party conference at the weekend.