(Ottawa) The Green Party is looking for an interim leader to take the helm before a new election among its members.
The former party leader and the former interim leader both want ex-MP Paul Manly to take on the role.
Mr. Manly lost his seat in Nanaimo-Ladysmith to the NDP in the last federal election. Some Greens say he has experience in politics in Ottawa to help stabilize the party, which has seen its support crumble at the ballot box, bringing only two MPs back to parliament.
The struggling party, which has been beset by internal squabbles and harsh criticism, has now accepted Annamie Paul’s resignation.
Mme Paul said leading the Greens was the worst time of her life and she returned her party membership.
The Greens called for nominations for the interim interim leader post, before a permanent leader could be elected. The interim leader will be appointed by the party’s federal council by the end of the month, ahead of the “virtual” general assembly of the Greens.
Elizabeth May, who predeceased Mme Paul, the head of the Green Party, was pressed to take on this role, but refused in order to be able to concentrate on his work as an MP. She mentioned on CTV’s “Question Period” last month that she would like Mr. Manly to take over. Mme May was not available to comment on the case on Tuesday.
Jo-Ann Roberts, who took over the interim party leadership in 2019 when Mr.me May has stepped down, has also been asked to return to her post, but is instead focusing on writing a book on democracy. She was praised for the way she led the party.
Mme Roberts, a former journalist, said she would be “very willing to help whoever takes it.”
She indicated that Mr. Manly would be a good choice, and that other people wanted him to take on this role.
“He has the experience of the public and knows the deputies,” she said.
Mr. Manly declined to comment.
When the interim leader is appointed, he cannot run for permanent leader unless he resigns first. Mr. Manly can choose to run as the permanent leader of the party rather than as an interim replacement.
On Monday, the party called for nominations to fill the post of interim leader. Applications will close at midnight Pacific time on Friday.
The election of a permanent leader of the Green Party will take place six months after the appointment of the interim leader.