NDP LEADER’S CHIEF OF STAFF EXITS FOR ‘PERSONAL REASONS’

The chief of staff to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has resigned — a departure that comes at a particularly challenging time for a party struggling with poor morale and slumping fundraising a year away from an election. A statement issued late Thursday by NDP parliamentary leader Guy Caron says Willy Blomme, pictured with Singh, is leaving for “personal reasons,” adding the party is grateful Blomme offered to help find a new chief of staff. She will stay on in the transition, the statement added. Assuming the role in January, Blomme brought experience managing the leadership campaign of Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante. “Willy is brilliant, selfless and determined to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Singh said on Twitter. “Thank you Willy for everything you’ve done for our party and our movement.”