NDP leadership candidate Jack Layton is the best choice to breathe life into the left-wing movement, former party leader Ed Broadbent says.
Mr. Broadbent surprised many New Democrats yesterday when he publicly endorsed Mr. Layton, a Toronto city councillor and newcomer to federal politics, instead of veteran MP Bill Blaikie.
He told a news conference he had to put years of friendship with Mr. Blaikie aside for the sake of the party when he made his tough decision to support Mr. Layton. He chose Mr. Layton over Mr. Blaikie, a 23-year-member of Parliament from Manitoba, and another party stalwart, Lorne Nystrom, who was first elected in Regina in 1968.
"For me, the candidate that I support has got be the one that I think will have the most impact on those Canadians who are potentially strong supporters for the New Democratic Party, who can speak with passion, who can speak with a new voice, to bring these Canadians to the New Democratic Party," Mr. Broadbent said.
"I concluded without any hesitancy whatsoever this is the test, Jack Layton is that man and I'm pleased to give him my [unequivocal]support today."
Mr. Broadbent's endorsement, two months before the NDP votes for a new leader in January, is a considered a coup for Mr. Layton's campaign. The party reached its height of popularity with 44 seats in Parliament under Mr. Broadbent's leadership between 1975 and 1989.
Mr. Broadbent said he is confident Mr. Layton is a candidate of substance who can revitalize the NDP. "Canadians coming up to me [in airports]mentioned Jack more than they mentioned other candidates."
Mr. Broadbent acknowledged it had been a difficult decision to make. Many New Democrats expected him to support Mr. Blaikie.
"Life consists of a lot of surprises and that may be one of them. But Bill will not be surprised. Bill is a friend and Bill knew as Jack did from the outset of this I was trying to make up my mind. . . . I took my time and talked to a lot of people who knew Jack better."
Mr. Layton told an Ottawa news conference: "It's a great honour for me to have the support of a great leader of this party. We need more New Democrats in the House of Commons and that's really what this leadership campaign is all about."
Outgoing NDP Leader Alexa McDonough refused to comment on the endorsement, saying it would be inappropriate for her to get involved in the leadership race. Ms. McDonough is not expected to endorse a candidate.
The party currently has 14 seats in Parliament. Windsor NDP MP Joe Comartin, Quebec NDP party organizer Pierre Ducasse, and Vancouver activist Bev Meslo are also running.