With Erin O’Toole now made leader of the Conservative Party, some have voiced their intentions to assume the interim leadership role.
In an interview with CTV News Channel’s Power Play, Marilyn Gladu, a Conservative MP for Sarnia-Lambton, said she would be one of several members of Parliament eager to take on the role.
“I will start with interim leadership. I’m going to put my name on it and see what the caucus has to say about that and then we’ll see where we go from there,” she said in the interview.
“I think this is an opportunity for a fresh start to unify the party. We definitely have to see that solidarity, and I think the grassroots level needs to consider the policy positions that we took in the last election, so that we can succeed, expand the base. and win the next election”.
John Williamson, a congressman for New Brunswick Southwest, announced in a tweet that he was also among those interested in leading the party.
“I know how to keep us united around the things that matter most to us as Conservatives,” he said in a statement posted online. “We must demonstrate to our supporters and future voters that we are fighting for them – every day – with a consistent plan.”
“I will make sure that the new leader we elect in a fair and efficient contest has what it takes to win.”
Rob Moore, a member of the Fundy Royal riding team in New Brunswick, has also made his name in the ring. Moore is currently the Minister of Justice and Minister of Justice of Canada.
“Now, more than at any time since prime minister [Stephen] Harper has left office, our party needs sound, experienced leadership and above all principled, principled leadership,” he said in a statement.
Gladu said she expected the caucus to announce a new leader on Wednesday night.
“We have a lot of talent in our caucus and each will have some time to come up with convincing arguments, but I certainly hope we will know ahead of time. [p.m. EST] latest.”
HIGH SCHOOL NAME DOESN’T RUN
There are also some senior Conservatives who are not interested in the interim position.
In a statement to CTV News, former interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose said she was not interested in another run-in as leader.
“It’s really hard to see what’s going on and not come back to help,” she said. “My heart says yes but my head says no. I will not go back to this time in my life. Our kids are at an age where they need us and I’m enjoying the business.”
Earlier this week, both Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said they were not interested in federal leadership and were instead focusing on their respective provinces.
“My hands are full,” Ford told reporters on Tuesday. “I would love to be the prime minister of this province. That is my job.”
“I’m just working 24/7 to get us out of this pandemic.”
