Jean-Francois Lisee withdraws from Parti Quebecois leadership race

QUEBEC — A candidate for the vacant Parti Quebecois leadership post has taken himself out of the running for the top job.

Jean-Francois Lisee made it official today that he’s withdrawing from the race, saying that perceived front-runner Pierre Karl Peladeau’s lead is insurmountable.

Lisee made a decision after meeting with his campaign team on Thursday evening.

Lisee says he’ll stay on with the party as they move to chose a new leader in May.

First elected in 2012, Lisee was a senior cabinet minister in Pauline Marois’ minority government, responsible for international relations and the Montreal region.

He was re-elected in 2014, when the PQ managed to win only 30 of the province’s 125 ridings.