Canada's interim Liberal leader to step aside

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The race for the leadership of Canada's Liberal Party was thrown wide open on Wednesday when its interim chief took his name out of the running, saying it was in the best interests of the party as it tries to regain its footing after last year's devastating election loss.

Veteran politician Bob Rae, 63, took on the caretaker role a year ago after the Liberals suffered their worst loss since Canada became a country in 1867, on the understanding he would not enter the race for the permanent position. Even so, he had been widely expected to throw his hat in the ring.