Veteran MLA Mike Farnworth has thrown his hat into the ring to run for leader of the B.C. NDP, becoming the fifth contender for the job.

About 100 people turned out to support Farnworth at a community centre in his Port Coquitlam riding Thursday as he announced his leadership bid.

Farnworth pledged to unite the party, saying, "the time for infighting is over." He said the NDP's challenge isn't moving to the left or centre of the political spectrum, but staying relevant.

Farnworth is the former Opposition house leader and is considered the front-runner in the race to replace former leader Carole James, who quit as leader last month after a revolt by 13 caucus members.

Farnworth was a James loyalist, but said he wants to heal the split in the NDP that led to her departure.

Farnworth was first elected in the Port Coquitlam riding in 1991 and has held high-profile cabinet positions in the former NDP government of the 1990's including health minister and minister of social development.

MLAs Rob Fleming and Norm Macdonald both expressed support for Farnworth's leadership bid.

MLA John Horgan, another James supporter, is also running for the leadership, as are MLAs Harry Lali and Nicholas Simons, and marijuana activist Dana Larsen, who was the first to jump into the race.

The NDP leadership vote is scheduled to take place on April 17.

With files from The Canadian Press