In the latest bizarre twist to the Action democratique leadership race, former leader Mario Dumont will moderate a debate between his three potential successors.

The televised debate will be broadcast Tuesday on Dumont's show on V channel, previously known as TQS.

Candidates Eric Caire, Gilles Taillon and Christian Levesque will debate in an informal style with spontaneous questions.

ADQ delegates will choose their new leader on Oct. 18.

Bitter race

Caire, the MNA for La Peltrie, and Taillon, former ADQ finance critic, have had tense relations during the race.

In September, Caire questioned whether Taillon was healthy enough to run for the leadership.

Taillon has had a bout with prostate cancer.

Taillon had earlier called for Caire to withdraw from the race because his CV mentioned a non-existent bachelor's degree.

ADQ fortunes have evaporated after the party fell from the official Opposition to a handful of MNAs in barely a year.

A crushing defeat in the election last December prompted longtime leader Dumont to quit.