NDP revolt stemmed, Mulcair backed

MONTREAL — The federal NDP managed to avert a caucus revolt in Montreal on Wednesday, as MPs emerged to show continued support for outgoing leader Tom Mulcair.

The party is trying to turn its attention to its work in Parliament while it attempts to deal with internal matters such as shrinking fundraising and sliding poll numbers.

Mulcair, who is set to stay at the helm of the NDP until a successor is named in fall 2017, has been under pressure from some current and former MPs to leave immediately.

Mulcair emerged from closeddoor discussions Wednesday morning to say he was “honoured and humbled” by the continued support.

No formal leadership vote took place during the meeting, said caucus chairman Charlie Angus, who acknowledged the party’s base has been frustrated following a disastrous October election.

“We’ve been a little lost … we’ve been trying to find our sea legs,” Angus said.

“We know that. So, for us, this meeting was about kicking our butts and saying: ‘Come on, there are a lot of people who are out there who are waiting for us.’ ”

So far, there are no official candidates to replace Mulcair.

NDP House leader Peter Julian, who is considering a leadership run, said Wednesday the party will rebuild itself through its work.

The NDP’s central job is to hold the Liberals to account on what they are delivering to Canadians, Victoria MP Murray Rankin said.

Rankin said he hopes the NDP will take on the Liberal government in a constructive, positive way and point out shortcomings when they happen.