Avi Lewis, elected to lead Canada’s New Democratic party, promises ‘NDP comeback’

Ex-TV host pledged to centre party around equity, with higher wealth taxes, green energy and tuition-free education

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Canada’s embattled New Democratic party (NDP) has elected the former broadcaster and self-proclaimed socialist Avi Lewis as its new leader, as it looks to rebuild following a devastating federal election last year that saw it lose official party status.

A record number of members voted in the three-day NDP leadership convention, giving Lewis a first-ballot win that underscored widespread support. Lewis pledged to convert the “tremendous momentum” of the convention into an “NDP comeback”.