NDP endorse Turmel as interim leader
Posted July 27, 2011 5:28 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – The NDP caucus has unanimously chosen Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel as interim leader.
NDP leader Jack Layton recommended Turmel for the post on Monday, when he announced he would take a leave of absence while to focus on recovery and treatment after being diagnosed with a new form of cancer.
The special caucus meeting was called on Wednesday to consider Turmel as a temporary replacement for Layton.
MP’s entered the room with a look of devastation and many left with tears in their eyes.
The atmosphere in the room was somber until Jack Layton spoke to his party MPs.
“The mood was very optimistic. It’s hard to be in a room with Jack Layton and not start feeling optimistic pretty fast.” Said Vancouver Kingsway MP Don Davies.
Layton could not appear at the meeting in person but spoke to his party through a one way Skype system.
Hamilton Centre MP David Christopherson said, despite his situation, the Leader gave a message of hope.
“Jack’s one of those people that, the more pressure you put on him, the better he responds. The more demand you place the more he rises to the occasion. This is the fight of his life.” Christopherson told 680News.
Turmel spoke for only a few minutes following the two and a half hour meeting.
“I’m overwhelmed by the support of the caucus today.” said Termel
Said she was ready to run the official opposition until Layton returns.
The main message of the meeting was one of unity.
Termel said she is confident the caucus can pull together to run the party and provide strong opposition in the fall.
At the end of the meeting, MP’s each took their turn in wishing Layton well in his battle. Christopherson admitted to 680News that learning the news has not been easy.
“At another level he’s also a friend, he’s a brother. So it’s hard when a family member is facing this kind of situation” Said Christopherson.
There is a possibility that Layton will not be able to return on September 19 but MP’s say it is okay because he needs to take time to recover.
Termel’s appointment will not become official until it is approved by the federal council, which will meet on Thursday.
