Trio of New Democrat MPs blast party's selection process for interim leader
NDP caucus dwindled from 24 seats to 7 following last month's election
Three NDP MPs have called out the party's executive and national council, claiming caucus wasn't properly consulted in the recent selection of its interim leader.
The party announced last week that veteran MP Don Davies would serve as interim leader after Jagmeet Singh stepped down following the party's worst electoral performance in decades.
But a trio of re-elected MPs — Leah Gazan from Manitoba, Lori Idlout from Nunavut and B.C.'s Jenny Kwan — wrote to the executive and national council just days after Davies was named interim leader saying they felt "excluded in the process."
"Whatever else might be said about the process, it is clear by our own disappointment, that it failed to uphold democratic and transparent principles," the letter reads.
"After our historic loss, how we proceed forward matters. Selecting an interim leader in this fashion sets them up for failure, not success."
The Globe and Mail first reported on the MPs' letter. CBC News has obtained a copy.
The NDP dropped from 24 seats to just seven in the House after last month's election. Singh himself came third in his riding.
Council chooses interim leader, but must consult caucus
According to the party's constitution, the decision to appoint an interim leader falls to the national council — though it's required to consult with caucus.
The three MPs noted in their letter that while they individually spoke to NDP president Mary Shortall, they claim it wasn't clear those conversations were meant to serve as the required consultations.
"We expected a formal consultation and decision-making process to occur within the parliamentary caucus prior to a decision being taken by the council. Sadly, that did not happen," the letter reads.
"Questions about the process went unanswered. Suggestions to have an open process for MPs who were interested in the position were ignored alongside the suggestion that those interested be allowed to share their vision for interim leadership with council before a decision was made."
Shortly after Davies was announced as interim leader, Gazan indicated in a social media post that the council hadn't informed her of the decision.
"Great finding out through the news…. Go 'team' NDP," Gazan wrote on X.
The party defended its selection process in a statement to CBC News.
"Our constitution gives the federal council — our party's governing body between conventions — the exclusive authority to appoint an interim leader, and the process was followed to the letter," national director Lucy Watson said in an emailed statement.
"Our caucus members bring a variety of experiences and histories to the table and are united in an understanding of an urgent need to reconnect with working people and renew our commitment to deliver for people across the country."
Mélanie Richer, the party's former director of communications, told CBC's Power & Politics that the letter was "disappointing."
"I think it's very silly. I think it's a massive waste of time," Richer told host David Cochrane.
Richer said the party is facing more pressing issues, and that it shouldn't be litigating what will be a temporary decision.
"At a time where you got seven people, this is just the wrong way to be focusing your energy," she said.
Gazan, Idlout and Kwan asked in their letter that the interim leadership now be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote in caucus — even though that's not required by the NDP constitution.
"We remain open to the selection of any of our colleagues as interim leader, including MP Davies. We simply insist that the selection process be transparent and after caucus has had some more time to deliberate and agree on a unified path forward to navigate through this difficult time," they wrote.
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With files from David Thurton