Yukon NDP awaits leadership hopefuls

The Yukon's New Democrats say they expect at least one new candidate will seek the party's leadership soon, following the surprise departure of its only candidate to date.

Mount Lorne MLA Steve Cardiff announced his decision Tuesday to drop out of the race, just over a month before nominations are scheduled to close. That has left the NDP with no one seeking the party's top job.

Cardiff would not specify why he is dropping out but said he will continue to represent Mount Lorne in the Yukon legislature.

"Steve has his reasons and I understand and respect those, but from a purely personal point of view he's an excellent constituency MLA, and I thought he brought something to the leadership race," party official Boyd Pyper said Tuesday.

"So it's disappointing he's stepping out of it."

Pyper said at least two people are thinking of running, with at least one candidate expected to step forward within the next week.

Cardiff entered the race in February to succeed Todd Hardy, who plans to step down as party leader while he battles leukemia.

The Yukon's New Democrats has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years, including caucus defections and declining support among voters.

Pyper said Cardiff's surprise withdrawal from the leadership race may, for some people, reinforce the image of a party in trouble. But he said the NDP is about to begin a comeback.

"We've got two really keen people who are giving serious thought to running. I think that people are taking the summer to review and reflect," he said.

Pyper said he also understands why Cardiff is refusing to explain his reasons for leaving the race.

"I think there is a higher standard for politicians around transparency. But I also happen to think that if a person comes to a difficult personal decision and makes that decision, that the reasons need not be provided for everybody to pick over," he said.

While Pyper conceded that many may now be speculating about why Cardiff pulled out of the race, he said it's up to Cardiff to decide if and when he goes public about his reasons.