Liberals to limit interim leadership power

[CHIMO]

New rules set out by the Liberal Party say an interim party leader won't be allowed to run for the party's long-term leadership and won't be able to talk about a merger with the NDP, according to an internal party document obtained by CBC News.

The party's executive is expected to pass the rules at its meeting Monday night.

The document says any candidate for interim leader will be expected to agree in writing that "he/she will not seek the permanent leadership of the Party as part of the next leadership selection process," or "engage in any discussions or negotiations that would require any fundamental or material change to the nature or structure of the party," without prior approval done by a vote at a party convention.

The new rules also say the election of an interim leader will require the votes of a majority of MPs, and not only a majority of caucus, which includes more senators than sitting members of the House of Commons.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/05/09/pol-liberals.html
May 9, 2011 7:32 PM ET