Montreal

Parti Québécois leadership race narrows as Pierre Céré quits

And then there were three. With the departure of Pierre Céré from the PQ leadership race, PKP will now face off against two underdogs.

Pierre Karl Péladeau, Martine Ouellet and Alexandre Cloutier remain in race for PQ leader

Pierre Karl Péladeau shakes Pierre Céré's hand during a leadership debate in March. Péladeau is considered to be the front-running in the PQ leadership race. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

The Parti Québécois leadership race is down to three candidates after the withdrawal of Pierre Céré.

Pierre Céré, seen here in March, has decided to step down from the PQ leadership race after not collecting sufficient campaign funds. (Paul Chiasson/Canadian Press)

In a news conference on Sunday, Céré said he would vote for Martine Ouellet in the leadership vote this week.

On Friday, Céré told The Canadian Press he had not raised the $10,000 he needed to continue in the race.

Party members begin voting Wednesday to select a new leader.

Céré's withdrawal means only three candidates remain: Ouellet, Alexandre Cloutier and the front-running Pierre Karl Péladeau.

Results of the first round of the PQ leadership vote will be announced May 15.