Mulcair reaffirms plans to stay put as NDP leader for now, has caucus support

Tom Mulcair, the embattled New Democrat chief who has come to embody last year’s bruising federal election defeat, says his caucus members want him to stay on as leader until his successor can be chosen.

Mulcair made the announcement surrounded by his fellow NDP MPs after today’s caucus meeting — their first since delegates at a convention this past weekend made it clear they believe it’s time for new leadership.

He describes it as "the best caucus meeting I’ve ever attended."

In the immediate aftermath of last weekend’s vote, Mulcair said he would stay on until his successor is named, a process that could be as much as two years away.

Some NDP MPs had openly questioned whether he ought to stick around that long, considering the clear message — only 48 per cent support — that came out of the convention.

Others, including NDP House leader Peter Julian, have been fully supportive of Mulcair’s wish to stay on.

The NDP federal council, its key decision−making team, is expected to meet in May to further discuss setting the wheels in motion for a leadership race.

Veteran B.C. MP Nathan Cullen, a 2012 leadership contender, says he is considering a leadership bid and is discussing the possibility with his family.