The NDP leadership race is down to four candidates.
On Thursday afternoon, British Columbia MP Peter Julian confirmed that he is dropping out. Julian initially issued a press release saying that he would make an “important announcement” linked to his candidacy at 2 p.m. ET on Parliament Hill.
He then confirmed via Twitter that he is indeed calling it quits. He thanked his campaign volunteers, fellow MPs who gave their support and his family.
Julian’s departure marks the second time in just over a month that a declared candidate has dropped out. In early June, Pat Stogran announced his departure and blamed the inner workings of the party. He called the process “fundamentally flawed” and claimed the NDP has put “major obstacles” in front of candidates trying to grow the party’s base from the grassroots.
For his part, Julian cited disappointing fundraising results.
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The deadline for registration of candidates has just passed. With Julian out, the four remaining candidates are Niki Ashton, Guy Caron, Jagmeet Singh and Charlie Angus.
“Four terrific candidates have entered the race since I started it and I know each of them will make a great leader,” said Julian in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
“I wish them all the best of luck. As the leadership race continues, I will be endorsing one of them closer to the ballot date.”
NDP members are expected to choose a permanent replacement for current leader Tom Mulcair in October.
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