Chow not running for NDP leadership

Olivia Chow says she will not be a candidate to succeed her late husband Jack Layton as leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

Chow will continue her duties in the House of Commons, but says the party’s leadership is not for her.

The Toronto MP says there are several qualified people within the party to take on the leadership role. Quebec MP Thomas Mulcair and NDP President Brian Topp are among several contenders who have expressed interest in the party’s top job.

The party’s federal council meets next week to decide on a date and location for a leadership convention.