MP Johns endorses Heather McPherson for NDP leader

B.C. NDP MP Gord Johns announced his endorsement of Alberta MP Heather McPherson for the federal NDP leadership, citing her electoral success and voter connection; the party’s leadership contest will conclude with a winner announced on March 29.

B.C. NDP MP Gord Johns has endorsed Alberta MP Heather McPherson for the federal NDP leadership. Johns said he supports McPherson because she won her Edmonton riding for a third term and can connect with voters. The party lost recognized status after the last election and former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned when he lost his seat. The leadership contest will proceed through debates and member voting and ends with a new leader announced on March 29. Key facts: - Gord Johns, a B.C. NDP MP, publicly endorsed Heather McPherson. - Johns said McPherson’s third-term win in Edmonton and her ability to connect with voters informed his support. - Only seven NDP MPs were elected in the last federal vote, and the party lost recognized status after falling below the 12-seat threshold. - Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and announced his resignation after the election. - Fundraising data reported to Dec. 31 shows Avi Lewis led donations with nearly $780,000 while McPherson raised more than $415,000, and all five candidates will meet for an English debate on Feb. 19 ahead of the March 29 leadership announcement. Summary: Johns’ endorsement is one of several public endorsements in a leadership contest where candidates are seeking support ahead of debates and member voting. The race continues under a preferential ballot system, with an English debate on Feb. 19 and the new leader to be announced on March 29.