Maclean’s (formerly) live blog: Liberals elect Justin Trudeau

As Bob Rae leaves his post as interim leader, the Liberals look to the future

<p>Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire arrive for the Federal Liberal leadership announcement in Ottawa, Sunday April 14, 2013 . THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick</p>

Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire arrive for the Federal Liberal leadership announcement in Ottawa, Sunday April 14, 2013 . THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Photo by Peter Bregg

Five months ago, federal Liberals officially set out to choose a leader to replace interim chief Bob Rae. Today, at a ballroom in Ottawa’s Westin hotel, the party chose Justin Trudeau as its new leader. Meanwhile, the NDP met in Montreal and all but avoided mentioning their Liberal cousins.

We’re hosting a liveblog. Scroll down to follow the action.

Rosemary Westwood tells you everything you need to know about how Liberals are picking their new leader.

Ottawa bureau chief John Geddes drills down into the challenges Trudeau faces.

Taken as a bundle, Trudeau’s tactical entreaties to different blocs of voters look wide-ranging and ambitious. But then, no single, straightforward solution would be nearly enough to accomplish the heavy lifting ahead for him—somehow raising the Liberals from the ignominy of third place back into contention for power.

Political editor Paul Wells previews what comes next in Ottawa, as each party gears up for the next general election:

After this weekend, things will start to move downhill, and accelerate, toward 2015, unless Stephen Harper finds a reason to have an election sooner.

The liveblog started at 5 p.m., and will run until the end of the festivities. Below, check out the delicate mix of snark and serious analysis.