McKenna resigns (en francais)

Game on for the Liberal leadership race. CKNW news flash just reported and Globe posted a quick report.

McKenna resigns
By BRIAN LAGHI

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 Posted at 5:33 PM EST

Globe and Mail Update

Frank McKenna has informed Stephen Harper that he intends to resign his post as Canadian ambassador to the United States, paving the way for him to run for the Liberal leadership, the Globe and Mail has learned.

Mr. McKenna spoke with Mr. Harper yesterday, a day after he wrote the prime minister-designate a letter signalling his intention to quit.

The news comes against the backdrop of a series of political events, as Mr. Harper began yesterday to build his government and as other Liberals considered whether they might run for the top job of their party.

In the meantime, he'll keep working at the job he was appointed to less than a year ago by Paul Martin, who was toppled in this week's election.

Mr. McKenna wants Harper to have the letter before he's officially sworn in as prime minister.

It notes the two men share a mutual commitment to Canada, and says Mr. McKenna would have had no difficulty working with a Conservative government.

The former New Brunswick premier is widely expected to enter the race to replace Mr. Martin, but those close to him say he won't be making an announcement yet.

With a report from the Canadian Press

Cross posted to Progressive Bloggers