Liberal leadership race could be delayed

It might still be another two years before the Liberal party elects a new leader. After an unprecedented fall to third party status and the withdrawal of party leader Michael Ignatieff, the Liberal’s national board suggested they have bigger priorities.

In a statement sent to the party’s caucus, the board cited challenges and responsibilities that the federal Liberals now face. Under recommendations released by the board Tuesday, the next liberal leadership race could be delayed to 2013.

In the meantime, the elected and defeated candidates in caucus will meet Wednesday to discuss the recommendations. Among the recommendations is a proposal that the interim leader should not be allowed to run in the next leadership race. 

The board also recommended that the interim leader should not explore merger options with the New Democrats. It stressed that a temporary leader not be allowed to fundamentally change the nature or structure of the party without the approval of all delegates.