Human rights lawyer becomes NDP candidate in Layton's riding

Human rights lawyer Craig Scott emerged victorious from a three-way race to pick the NDP candidate to replace the late Jack Layton in the Toronto-Danforth riding. Postmedia reports Scott, a clear front-runner, defeated  Claire Prashaw, former constituency assistant to Layton, and Ecojustice lawyer Justin Duncan on the first ballot. Scott was supported by Metropolitan Community Church Reverend Brent Hawkes, who officiated Layton’s funeral, as well Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth. Scott will have to stand for election almost immediately, as Prime Minister Stephen Harper is required to call a by-election in that riding within six months of  Layton’s death, making Feb. 22 the deadline. Liberal Denis Mills previously held the riding for 16 years, and whether the NDP can hold it without Layton’s presence remains an open question. Scott, for his part, said he is trying to “follow in Jack’s footsteps, not walk in his shoes.”

Postmedia