It looks like the Liberals have Joe Cressy’s back. Or, at least, a few current and former Grits.

Cressy, who’s the NDP’s candidate in the upcoming Trinity—Spadina byelection, just received a red-hued pile-on of support. His campaign announced endorsements Tuesday, including Lisa Kirbie (above), who was an aide for Michael Ignatieff when he led the Liberals, Andrew Ignatieff, the academic-turned-politician-turned-academic’s brother and Warren Kinsella, who served as special assistant to the PM during Jean Chretien’s tenure in Ottawa.

A nod from Warren Kinsella isn’t much of a surprise — he’s working in the war room for Olivia Chow, the last MP to hold the Trinity—Spadina seat, as she tries to become Toronto’s next mayor. And the guy hasn’t been too happy with some of the goings-on of a party he once called his own.

For Kirbie, this is one of several things she shares in common with her partner Kinsella. Both contribute commentary for Sun Media, both are executives at the Daisy Consulting Group, and both are now Liberal staffers-turned-NDP backers — at least in this byelection. Before serving in Ignatieff’s OLO in 2009, Kirbie had worked as a Liberal aide on the Hill for more than five years.

Michael Ignatieff’s brother is an interesting one. According to news reports, Andrew Ignatieff used to lean to the left as an NDP supporter, before his brother moved into politics with the Liberal party. When Ignatieff (Michael) ran for the Liberal leadership, Ignatieff (Andrew) gave his kin his time and energy as a volunteer and advisor.

Now, though, the brother is back to sporting Orange.

“When I met Joe Cressy, I recognized someone who thought and worked for issues that I really care about — housing, access to health care and education, public transit, and Canada’s place in our world,” Ignatieff said in a statement released by the Cressy campaign. “For every reason, I am thrilled to support Joe Cressy in my home riding of Trinity—Spadina.”

The Liberal party has yet to decide on a candidate for the byelection. So far, Ryan Davey and Christine Tabbert have thrown their hats into the ring. Last week Toronto city councillor Adam Vaughan announced his intentions to seek the Liberal nomination — a move that will likely topple the other Liberal candidates and make the fight for Trinity—Spadina more difficult to predict, and a lot more interesting.