Ontario NDP maps out rules for leadership contest naming new party head by March 2023

Ontario NDP leader. Image credit: Twitter handle of Sharron Clayton

Rules for a leadership contest that will see a new party head in place by the first week of March 2023. have reportedly been mapped out and issued by Ontario’s New Democrats late Friday.

The party’s provincial council said candidates who wish to vie for the top job can register by early December.

100 signatures in support of their candidacy is expected to be submitted by the person seeking the leadership with at least 50 percent of them coming from women and 25 percent from party members who identify as members of other equity-seeking groups.

The selection of the leader will be through the ranked ballot, meaning voters can choose the candidates they favor in order of preference, with contenders to take part in two leadership debates over the course of the race.

The leadership contest was triggered last month when Andrea Horwath, after leading the NDP for 13 years stepped down after she saw her party return to official opposition status in the legislature in the June 2 provincial election.

Peter Tabuns, a Toronto caucus veteran is the party’s current interim leader, while legislature members Marit Stiles, Wayne Gates, and Laura-Mae Lindo have all indicated that they are considering launching leadership bids.

#OntarioNDP; #Andrea Horwath