Justin Trudeau has said he will step down as Canada’s prime minister after his party has finds a new leader, a decision that in effect brings an end to nearly a decade in power.

Here’s a recap of today’s developments:

Trudeau said he will stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the ruling Liberal party is chosen through a “robust, nationwide” process.

Trudeau said Canadians “deserve a clear choice in the next election”, adding that party infighting had made it impossible for him to face off against his political rivals.

Parliament had been due to resume on 27 January and opposition parties had vowed to bring down the government as soon as they could. Trudeau has announced that parliament will be now prorogued until 24 March.

The Liberal party president, Sachit Mehra, said he will convene a meeting of the National Board this week to select a new leader of the party.

Trudeau’s announcement throws open the doors to a fierce political battle to be Canada’s next leader. Polls show the Liberals losing badly to the opposition Conservatives in an election that must be held by late October.

Potential successors to Trudeau as the Liberal leader responded to his resignation. Mark Carney, previously head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, thanked Trudeau for his leadership. Christy Clark, a former premier of British Columbia, also thanked him for his service.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the official opposition Conservative party, said “nothing has changed” following the announcement. In his resignation speech, Trudeau warned that Poilievre’s vision for Canada “is not the right one for Canadians.”

Other Canadian opposition party leaders also responded to the news. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic party, said the Liberals “do not deserve another chance, no matter who is the leader.” Yves-François Blanche, leader of the Bloc Quebecois, called for a general election to be held as soon as possible.

US president-elect Donald Trump suggested Canada should become America’s “51st state”, writing on Truth Social that if Canada merged with the US that taxes would decrease and that there would be no tariffs. Canadian officials increasingly fear US tariffs will devastate the Canadian economy and a prorogued parliament is unlikely to ease these fears.

Source: www.theguardian.com