Cardiff out of Yukon NDP leadership race

The lone candidate in the Yukon NDP leadership race took his name off the ballot on Tuesday.

Mount Lorne NDP MLA Steve Cardiff said "circumstances" prevent him from seeking the leadership, but he won't say what those circumstances are.

"The key message is that there are circumstances right now that are preventing me from seeking the leadership of the New Democrats at this time," Cardiff told CBC News on Tuesday.

"There were people who came out and encouraged me, were excited about it, and I owe them a great deal of thanks. They worked on my campaign."

Cardiff entered the race in February to succeed Todd Hardy, who plans to step down as party leader while hebattles leukemia. At the time, Cardiff said he was capable of leading the Yukon's New Democrats.

"I think I've got the experience, and I think I've got the commitment and the energy to do this," Cardiff told reporters on Feb. 12. "I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't think it was possible."

While Cardiff now won't be seeking the party's top job, he assured supporters thathe will remain the MLA for Mount Lorne, a position he's held sincehe wasfirst elected in2002.

"I need to assure them and the people that I represent in the riding of Mount Lorne that I've got every intention of continuing to represent them just like I have for the last seven years," he said.

Cardiff said he is confident other candidates will come forward in time for this fall's leadership vote, scheduled for Sept. 26.

Potential candidates have until Sept. 5 to submit their nomination papers.