New Democrats choose interim leader

New Democrat MPs took part in an emergency caucus meeting on Wednesday to determine Jack Layton’s interim replacement. The caucus picked MP Nycole Turmel, the party’s caucus chair, to take the post. Layton revealed on Monday that he is taking a temporary leave to battle a new form of cancer. He said he plans to be back as leader when Parliament resumes in September. Party president Brian Topp told reporters he spoke with Layton early Wednesday, and said he was in “great spirits.”

The Globe and Mail