A number of safe Liberal ridings on the West Island are in flux in advance of the provincial election this fall including one where a popular MNA has been asked to leave.
The nomination meeting for the West Island Marquette riding was scheduled for today, but has been postponed with word that the Liberal Party executive has told veteran MNA Francois Ouimet he is no longer wanted.
Ouimet, announced just last month that he was going to run again and says back in May Premier Couillard had promised that he would sign his nomination papers.
The 58 year old has represented Dorval and Lachine since 1994 and says he was surprised by the party's decision.
Several news outlets are reporting that Montreal businessman Monsef Derraji will be the Liberal candidate in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro riding of Nelligan, replacing Martin Coiteux who has decided not to seek re-election after serving just one term.
Derraji is a resident of Dollard-des-Ormeaux and president and director general of the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec.
Coiteux won Nelligan in the last election taking about 80% of the votes.
The Jacques Cartier Liberal nomination also has to be filled, following the resignation of popular MNA Geoffrey Kelley.
His son, Greg reportedly wants to replace his father. The Montreal Gazette says Greg Kelley has the support of the riding association.
The riding encompasses Baie-D'Urfé, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Senneville.