The Conservative Party of Canada has a new interim leader.
Manitoba MP Candice Bergen takes over from Erin O’Toole, who was voted out in a ballot among party members yesterday.
Bergen has been an MP since 2008, and served as the Opposition House Leader for four years.
73 MPs voted against O’Toole as leader, while 45 were in favour of him staying in the role.
Bergen will stay on as the Conservatives face their third party leadership race since 2015.
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, 2022
In a goodbye video posted to Twitter, O’Toole said it has been an honour of a lifetime to lead the Conservatives over the past year.
The outgoing leader offered some parting thoughts after he officially submitted his regisnation.
“This country needs a Conservative party that is both an intellectual force and a governing force. Ideology without power is vanity. Seeking power without ideology is hubris,” said O’Toole.
He went on to say that the country is facing a “dire moment” of division, pointing to the ongoing protests in Ottawa.
“So my message to my party is the same I will give to the prime minister and members of Parliament on all sides of the House of Commons — audi alteram partem — hear the other side,” said O’Toole.
“Listen to all voices, not just the echoes from your own tribe. Realize that our country is divided and people are worried. Work together because how we as leaders act now will define the next generation.”
O’Toole plans to stay on as MP for his Ontario riding of Durham.
With files from Brad Perry.
My message to Canadians
Mon message aux Canadiens pic.twitter.com/iRhq76bteB
— Erin O'Toole (@erinotoole) February 2, 2022
