The one-man race for the Yukon NDP's top job turned into a leadership contest without any candidates today as Mount Lorne MLA Steve Cardiff announced he is bowing out.

"I'm not really prepared to discuss my reasons now, but I think it's important for Yukoners to know this doesn't mean I'm stepping away from politics," the 51-year-old former sheet metal worker told the Star from his mother's home in Port Alberni, B.C.

Cardiff, who was first elected to the legislature in 2002, said a family matter played a role in his decision to abandon his leadership bid, but that he will continue to represent his constituents.

Last February, NDP Leader Todd Hardy said he would pass the torch as soon as a successor was found, citing a relapse of his leukemia, first diagnosed in 2006.

A week later, Cardiff held a press conference outside the Yukon legislature to state his desire for the leadership.

"The rebuilding process is underway and I intend to be part of that process," Cardiff said then, acknowledging that the party was at its lowest point in years.

Though the NDP formed the territory's government three times between 1985 and 2000, three defections of sitting MLAs - the most recent being McIntyre-Takhini MLA John Edzerza's decision to sit as an independent - it occupies just two seats in the legislature.

A last-place finish by federal NDP candidate Ken Bolton in October 2008's general election also did not help the party's profile in the territory.

News that Cardiff is dropping his leadership aspirations came as a surprise to Elizabeth Hanson, president of the Yukon NDP.

"I was quite disappointed, actually," Hanson said this morning. "Perhaps Mr. Cardiff will re-consider, because he's got an awful lot to offer the territory."

When Hanson's comments were relayed to Cardiff, he was appreciative but said his decision is final.

Hanson told the Star there were two people contemplating a run at the party's leadership but offered little else, except that one possible candidate is a woman.

While an unattributed newspaper story July 10 reported Alex Furlong, president of the Yukon Federation of Labour, is considering throwing his hat in the ring,

Furlong is on holidays and could not be reached for comment.

"I anticipate in another week or so, there'll be other candidates coming forward," added Hanson.

Sept. 26 is the date for the party's leadership convention, and according to Hanson, there are currently 200 party members.

Hardy also confirmed there are two serious contenders, but said it was up to them to make their intentions public.

"That's their announcement to make, not mine," he said.

"(But) there has been people who have asked to sit down and talk to me about what (the job) entails ... it's what I would consider quite serious inquiries."

Hardy did not indicate if or when he would resign his Whitehorse Centre seat in the aftermath of the party's leadership convention.

"I haven't made a decision one way or the other," Hardy said

"I'm having a good summer and enjoying talking to the people in my riding and I'll make that decision for my future closer to September."