The Parti Québécois caucus has opted for Sylvain Gaudreault as interim party leader following Pierre Karl Peladeau's resignation.

The decision still needs to be ratified by the party executive, but that is considered a formality.

Gaudreault, 45, has represented the riding of Jonquiere since 2007 and served as transport and municipal affairs minister between 2012 and 2014.

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Peladeau announced his political resignation Monday, saying he wants to spend more time with his children.

The timeline for choosing a permanent successor has not yet been revealed.

The next provincial election is set for the fall of 2018.