Key Quebec MP throws support behind Topp in NDP leadership race

 A key Quebec NDP MP has thrown his support behind Brian Topp for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party.

Treasury Board critic Alexandre Boulerice says he will back Topp, the former party president and longtime backroom strategist who is one of the front runners to replace Jack Layton.

“Mr. Topp was at the heart of the last few NDP campaigns and is one of those responsible for the orange wave,” Boulerice said on his blog. “I’m confident Brian will demonstrate
the necessary leadership to replace the Harper government in four
years.”

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Boulerice’s endorsement came a day after two Quebec MPs confirmed Thomas Mulcair, the popular MP for Montreal’s Outremont riding, would announce his candidacy next week.

Mulcair is also considered a front-runner in the race to replace Jack Layton, who died of cancer in August.

So far five people have officially declared their candidacies, including MPs Paul Dewar, Nathan Cullen and Romeo Saganash, as well as Topp and Nova Scotia businessman Martin Singh.

New Democrats will vote for a new leader in Toronto on March 24, 2012.
 

With files from Postmedia News