The Liberal party has appointed an interim leader.

Darius Elias, who has been the MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin since 2006, is taking over Arthur Mitchell's position until a leadership race is called.

Mitchell stepped down the evening of Oct. 11 after being defeated in his own riding by the Yukon Party's Currie Dixon.

Mitchell's defeat left Elias and first-timer Sandy Silver, the MLA for Klondike, as the only Liberals in the 19-seat house.

Elias told the Star Wednesday afternoon that he made this decision after careful consideration last weekend and talking to party staff, executive and his constituents.

By taking over as interim leader, Elias is automatically taking his name out of the official leadership race.

"This is not about me,” he said. "This is about the most special and unique riding in the country. I don't have the mandate to lead and rebuild this political party; my primary concern is the needs and wants of my constituents.”

Elias said although some of his constituents encouraged him to take over the interim leadership, many cautioned him it would be a tremendous responsibility and time commitment.

But for now, Elias said, he's going to lead "fearlessly”.

"I don't pretend I have all the answers, and I think Yukoners can understand that,” he said. "If it comes to be fragrantly political, so be it. If it means making compromises to get the best deal for Yukoners, then count us in.”

Elias said that working in the legislative assembly without Mitchell and defeated MLAs Don Inverarity and Eric Fairclough will prove tough.

He called Mitchell a "pillar of strength”.

As for why the party did so poorly in the election, dropping from five seats to two and losing their leader of six years, Elias admitted he can't yet pinpoint a reason.

"Everyone worked tirelessly on the campaign. I think we won the debates. I thought we had the best platform,” he said.

"This is an honourable party with excellent people, strong values and good ideas. We have everything we need to start the process of rebuilding our organization.”

Elias thinks the Yukon Party may have built a stronger base is some ridings by selling more memberships and knocking on more doors during the campaign.

You can never underestimate the power of going door-to-door, he said.

For now, Elias is focused on fighting this "uphill battle.” He thinks rebuilding the party is something that can "absolutely be done.”

And he's even got a name for himself and Silver, his new partner in the house: the dynamic duo.

"Just sit back and watch,” he said.

In preparation for the fall sitting of the legislature, critic roles are still being decided.

There's no word yet when the party will find a permanent leader nor if Silver will put his name forward.

A date for the pair's swearing-in has not been released. The New Democrats' MLAs were sworn in late this morning (see Friday's Star).