SASKATOON - Federal NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp has received a big boost in the birthplace of the New Democratic Party.

Former Saskatchewan premier Roy Romanow is backing Topp's leadership bid, saying Topp has the right combination of skills and experience.

Romanow says in a statement that Topp is disciplined, principled and deeply committed to a better future for every Canadian.

Topp, who is currently the NDP president, once served as Romanow's deputy chief of staff.

Topp was the first to announce his candidacy to succeed Jack Layton, who died of cancer last month.

He told a news conference in Saskatoon that he wants to continue Layton's work, with a Saskatchewan flavour.