The MNA for Outremont and former finance minister Raymond Bachand says he wants to be the next leader of the Quebec Liberal party. He formally announced that he is running for the leadership on Friday during a news conference in his riding.

Bachand says his goal as leader will be to bring the Liberal party back to its days of glory.

"My goal is to renew the Liberal party, to gain new members, to form a platform connecting to Quebecers, and then gain their trust so we become once again the great, uniting party of Quebec."

Bachand made the announcement in front of a room full of supporters, including four Liberal MNA's who are backing the former finance minister. Among them, former Labour minister and MNA for Anjou Lise Theriault, who is presiding over his campaign. 

Bachand is the first to announce that he is running for the top job. Former health minister Philippe Couillard and former transport minister Pierre Moreau are other possible candidates expected to join the race.