Quebec Liberals want quick race to replace Charest

The Quebec Liberal Party is planning a quick leadership race that would have a successor to Jean Charest in place during the winter.

The party is expected to meet in early October to set the rules for a leadership contest for a successor to Charest, whoresignedthe day afterbeing defeatedin the Sept. 4 provincial election. He also losthis own seatthe legislature.

The Liberals' executive committee proposed on Tuesday that outgoing Justice Minister Jean-Marc Fournier be named interim leader.

The Liberal caucus is expected to confirm the choice Wednesday.

Party brass want a new leader in time to deal with Premier-designate Pauline Marois's first budget, which will likely be brought down in March.

Several members of Charest's exiting government are considering a leadership bid, as well as a few former ministers.

Among those from the government who are mulling a run are Finance Minister Raymond Bachand, Transport Minister Pierre Moreau, Health Minister Yves Bolduc, Labour Minister Lise Thriault and Economic Development Minister Sam Hamad.

Others outside the caucus include former health minister Philippe Couillard and onetime intergovernmental affairs minister Benoit Pelletier.