Arya, who has held his riding since 2015, said the Liberal Party informed him he’s out of the running to be its next leader.

Arya, who was the first to announce his candidacy to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said Sunday that he was waiting on official communication from the Liberals and considering his next steps.

“This decision raises significant questions about the legitimacy of the leadership race and, by extension, the legitimacy of the next prime minister of Canada,” Arya said in a social media statement.

Arya did not elaborate on his concerns or provide reasons the party gave for declining his candidacy. He did not immediately return phone calls and messages later Sunday.

Liberal party spokesman Parker Lund confirmed Arya would not be a candidate, citing a section of the national leadership rules that state a prospective candidate can be disqualified if they are found to be “manifestly unfit for the office” of leader.

That could be “due to public statements, past improper conduct, a lack of commitment to democracy, or other reputational or legal jeopardy,” the rules say.

Lund did not say what specifically led to Arya being removed from the race.

Arya was one of seven people who submitted paperwork and a refundable $50,000 deposit last week to enter the race.

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney are widely seen as the front-runners. The Liberal Party of Canada has approved six candidates: Freeland, Carney, Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste, former government House leader Karina Gould, and former Brampton, Ont., Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla.

— with files from the Canadian Press

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