Liberal MNA Franois Ouimet asked to step aside ahead of upcoming election

Just days before a provincial election campaign is set to launch, Quebec Liberal MNA Franois Ouimet has been asked by the provincial Liberals not to run again to make way for a new candidate, according to the party.

The move comes about a month after Ouimet, 58,announcedthat he planned to run in the upcoming provincial election.

Ouimet, a lawyer, has held riding of Marquette, in western Montreal, since 1994.

The name of the new candidate has not yet been unveiled.

Premier Philippe Couillard announced Saturday the election campaign would begin on Aug. 23. Voters will go to the polls on Oct. 1.