Candice Bergen
Canada: Candice Bergen named interim Conservative leader after Erin O'Toole removal
Ottawa/IBNS: Manitoba MP Candice Bergen has been named as interim leader of the Conservatives in Canada following a private vote late Wednesday evening after the removal of Erin O’Toole.
Out of 118 Members of Parliament, 73 voted to replace him.
O’Toole submitted his formal resignation to the party, effective immediately following this vote for his removal but will stay on to serve as the Durham, Ont. Member of Parliament.
A four-term Ontario MP, O'Toole, fought only one federal election campaign as leader.
Previously the Conservatives' deputy leader, Bergen, has been representing the Manitoba riding of Portage—Lisgar since 2008 and finished top among nine candidates in a private preferential ballot held Wednesday evening.
“I want to express my gratitude and respect to [O’Toole] for his leadership and the sacrifices he’s made for our party and caucus. Thanks also to Rebecca and the O’Toole family for their dedication and support. Erin is an asset and will continue to be a valued member of our team,” Bergen tweeted earlier Wednesday.
I want to express my gratitude and respect to @erinotoole for his leadership and the sacrifices he’s made for our party and caucus. Thanks also to Rebecca and the O’Toole family for their dedication and support. Erin is an asset and will continue to be a valued member of our team pic.twitter.com/BdZl907rYV
— Candice Bergen (@CandiceBergenMP) February 2, 2022Bergen has been among the party's most prominent voices in the House of Commons.
As interim leader, Bergen will not be allowed to run for the permanent leader when that race is conducted.
O'Toole's removal has paved the way for another leadership race only 18 months after the party finished the last one.
From 2016 to 2020 Bergen served as the Opposition House leader and was also minister of state for social development under Stephen Harper.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
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