The Liberal Party of Canada's attempt to rebuild could begin without a permanent leader as the party faithful considers delaying a crucial leadership vote.
In a statement released on Saturday, national membership secretary Robert Hamish Jamieson called for an "extraordinary convention" to vote on a change that would delay a decision on the party's leadership indefinitely.
Michael Ignatieff stepped down as leader of the party on May 3, one day after the Liberals were reduced to 34 seats in the federal election. Ignatieff lost his own seat in the process.
According to the party's constitution, a new party leader must be found within five months of the previous one stepping down – meaning a vote to declare a new leader should be held on October 28 and 29.
In his statement, Jamieson said many party members had asked that the decision on a new leader be delayed further.
"According to your feedback, the overwhelming reason to delay the Leadership Vote is to allow for meetings throughout our ridings, regions and provinces in the upcoming months so we may together discuss and decide upon our future as a party," Jamieson wrote.
"Your Board has heard almost unanimously that this is best done free of a Leadership selection process."
Jamieson said the extraordinary convention is a procedure allowed under the party's constitution. The convention is scheduled to be held on June 18. At that time, party members will vote on whether to delay the leadership vote.
The Liberals have yet to decide on an interim party leader, although Montreal MP and former astronaut Marc Garneau has offered to assume the role.
