OTTAWA -- Bob Rae has wrapped up his final caucus meeting as the caretaker head of the Liberal party.

As he steps down as interim leader, he says the party in better shape now than when he inherited it.

Rae says he's proud of his time at the head of the caucus and cited debates on making access to running water a right, as well as an increasing focus on mental health, as two high points.

He says that while he enjoyed leading the party, he knew when he took the job that it came with a time limit.

And he adds that his role under a new leader will be up to whomever wins the top spot next month.

He jokes that he doesn't intend to become the party's crazy uncle who only pops up every now and then to make a speech.