Justin Tang/The Canadian Press Niki Ashton speaks as she participates in the first debate of the federal NDP leadership race in Ottawa on March 12, 2017.

OTTAWA — NDP leadership hopeful Niki Ashton says she is expecting twins in early November, shortly after her party selects a successor to Tom Mulcair.

Ashton said Wednesday she is looking at a three-month leave available to her as an MP, though she plans to remain engaged in her work and remain in Ottawa should she become the party's new leader.

She also has yet to determine whether an interim leader in the House of Commons would be needed during that period.

Ashton said she believes much media attention has been paid to her pregnancy, but she hopes Canadians will also hear about her policy positions.

"I would recognize there is a uniqueness to it, but ... it also reflects a bias that often comes up with covering women in politics — an immense amount of attention on one's personal life, appearances rather than the substance," she said in an interview Wednesday.

"In the work that we've done across the country, the events we've hosted, there are many, many good wishes and also sharing of advice on pregnancy," she said, adding conversations swiftly move into how to get the NDP on track to "fighting the issues that matter."

Candidates preparing for Montreal debate

An alternative leader would also be a serious consideration for the party should Jagmeet Singh win the leadership.

Earlier this month, Ontario legislator told The Canadian Press he's strongly considering waiting until 2019 to seek a seat in the House.

"I would be happy to spend the time while I am not a sitting member to campaign across the country, to get to know the issues, to get know the different ridings ... spending that time speaking with people, reaching out to them," he said, adding this move would be reminiscent of late leader Jack Layton.

Layton became leader in 2003, but he did not seek a seat in the Commons until the federal election the following year.

Singh, Ashton and rivals Ontario MP Charlie Angus and Quebec MP Guy Caron, are preparing for a French-language debate this Sunday in Montreal.