NDP MP Libby Davies open to leadership bid

Libby Davies, one of the NDP's two deputy leaders, says she is exploring the idea of running for the leadership of her party.

The British Columbia MP from Vancouver told CBC News she's been receiving a lot of calls from people wanting to know her intentions and encouraging her to try and become the next federal NDP leader.

"I certainly haven't ruled anything out at this point," Davies said. She said she's been having "good conversations" with people about the idea.

Davies, as one of the deputy leaders and a longtime politician, is high on the list of MPs who could be potential candidates in the race, which has not yet officially begun. NDP Leader Jack Layton died of cancer a little over a week ago and the NDP's federal council is meeting next week to set up the rules that will govern the race to replace him. A date and location for a leadership convention must also be decided upon.

The NDP's other deputy leader, Quebec MP Thomas Mulcair, has also said he's interested in running but that he hasn't made a decision yet. A number of other MPs including Megan Leslie, Francoise Boivin, Robert Chisholm, and Peter Julian have also said they are thinking about it and the NDP's president, Brian Topp, is weighing his options.

Gary Doer's name has also been mentioned as a possible contender but the former NDP premier of Manitoba told CBC News on Wednesday that he is happy in his current job as Canada's ambassador to the United States.

"I've got a job to do and I'm trying to do it and I'm very proud to do it for Canada," he said. "It's yes to being the ambassador and no to running for leader," said Doer. 

Davies has a high profile in the NDP caucus and is one of its most experienced members. She has been in the House of Commons since 1997 and served as House leader from 2003 until this year when she was appointed deputy leader and the NDP's health critic. Before federal politics she was a city councillor in Vancouver.

She is not fully bilingual, however, and that could factor into her decision to run for the leadership. Davies is also considering the timeframe for the race and is concerned it may be too tight if the election is held early in 2012. Layton, in a public letter he wrote in the days before he died, suggested his replacement be chosen as early as possible in the new year.

The NDP has to find a venue on short notice for the convention and facility availability could largely determine when and where party members will vote for a new leader.