Jack Layton’s personality has been intertwined with the NDP brand since he became leader in 2003, but with the popular politician temporarily sidelined by cancer, the party faces a new challenge – proving the New Democrats are more than just Jack.
A visibly gaunt and drained Layton announced Monday he had been diagnosed with cancer for a second time and would be taking a leave of absence as party leader.
The political bombshell comes just months after the party won 103 seats in an historic election that catapulted them into the role of the official opposition.
“The real question for New Democrats is how are they going to seize this as an opportunity, just like Jack Layton has seized every one of the challenges presented to him as an opportunity,” said Ian Capstick, a political strategist who once worked with the NDP.
Capstick said the NDP has the chance to transform this devastating news into something positive – a chance for Canadians to get to know some of the other personalities in the party.
“(This) is an opportunity for some of those individuals in the front bench of the New Democrats to rise up as stars,” Capstick said.
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New interim leader
One of the rookies who is likely to be front and centre this summer is Hull-Alymer MP Nycole Turmel.
Layton recommended that Turmel – not veteran MPs and deputy leaders Thomas Mulcair and Libby Davies – keep his seat warm as interim leader.
The suggestion will be discussed by the NDP caucus Wednesday. The party’s national council will then ultimately make the choice Thursday.
Turmel, 68, was elected at National Caucus Chair by her peers in May.
Capstick said the choice of Turmel was strategic both for the party’s future and for Layton’s.
Turmel is a centrist and has the qualities that can unite a party made up of individuals from both sides of the political spectrum, he said.
Capstick also said that Layton didn’t want to set up a potential future leader – like Mulcair and Davies – before their time.
Back for September
Layton said he plans to be back in the House of Commons by September 19 for the first day of the new session of Parliament.
“I’m going to fight this cancer now so I can be back to fight for families when Parliament resumes,” he said.
But party officials said doctors have yet to confirm exactly what kind of cancer Layton is now battling; leaving questions about whether he will make his September deadline.
If Layton and his doctors decide he cannot return to politics, the party will have to hold a leadership race to replace him.
If and when Layton decides to end his political career, the NDP will be in a strong position thanks to the work he did to strengthen its abilities to fundraise and campaign, according to Capstick.
“When presented with a challenge, he is going to overcome it – whether that is the personal challenge of cancer or it is setting up his political party to able to be sustained without him, he is going to be able to do that,” Captstick said.
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