His mother, Theresa McNeil, was the first female high sheriff in Canada[2] and is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia.

On April 28, 2007 at the Liberal Leadership Convention in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, McNeil was elected leader on the second ballot over runner-up Diana Whalen.

[12] On August 6, 2020, McNeil announced that he would resign as leader of the Liberal Party and as Premier of Nova Scotia in early 2021.

Just days after being sworn in, Liberal candidate Glennie Langille was offered the job of Chief Protocol Officer.

Critics said this was a return to days of political patronage and the job should have gone to the most qualified candidate in an open competition,[16] while advocates said the Premier had done nothing against the rules.

The Liberals passed essential services legislation that ended a strike by nurses in Halifax who were protesting working conditions.

[27] Opponents of Bill 37 said it took away the right to fair collective bargaining and would set back labour relations in the province, while the government said it was necessary to protect health care.

[31] This move appeared to break a pre-election promise made by McNeil in October 2013,[32] and resulted in an outpouring of protest from the creative community.

[35][36] The Liberals' first budget forecast a $279 million deficit, and included money to cap class sizes and recruit doctors.

[39] McNeil announced on August 6, 2020, that he would be stepping down as Premier of Nova Scotia and leaving public office.