Conservative Party removes Erin O’Toole as leader

by The Standard | Podcast February 10th, 2022 https://thestandardnewspaper.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Erin-OToole-Removed-Feb-10th-2022.mp3

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

DURHAM: The Conservative Party of Canada has chosen to remove their leader and have announced the choice of Candice Bergen as their interim leader.

Erin O’Toole was the Party’s third leader since Stephen Harper stepped down. Previous leaders include Andrew Scheer and former interim leader Rona Ambrose.

In late January, Erin O’Toole took to Twitter to defend his leadership and call for a final vote from party members.

“There are two roads open to the Conservative Party of Canada. One is the road of Randy Hillier and Derek Sloan. It is angry, negative, and extreme. It is a dead-end, one [which] would see the Party of Confederation become the NDP of the right. The other road is to better reflect the Canada of 2022. To recognize conservatism is organic, not static and a winning message is one of inclusion, optimism, ideas and hope.

There is a report tonight of members of the Conservative caucus who are unsure of what road to take. They are, it is said, bringing a letter to caucus to trigger a vote on my leadership of the Party. Good. I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not turning back. Canada needs us to be united and serious! It’s time for a reckoning. To settle this in caucus. Right here. Right now. Once and for all,” the post read.

Recently, on Wednesday, February 2nd, the Conservative Party caucus voted to remove Durham MP Erin O’Toole as their leader and hold a leadership race again. Later that day, in a social media video post, Erin O’Toole announced his resignation as leader of the Party.

“This afternoon, I stepped down as leader of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition, and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, following a Reform Act vote in our caucus. It was an honour of a lifetime to lead the Party of Sir John A. Macdonald and confederation,” he said. As he departed the leadership, Erin O’Toole also provided some input for the Party going forward.

“I love both the country and my Party too much to not comment. This country needs a Conservative Party [which] is both an intellectual force and a governing force. Ideology without power is vanity. Seeking power without ideology is hubris. Canadians deserve a government that delivers exemplary management,” he explained.

He added he would continue to serve as Durham’s Member of Parliament (MP).

“I will never stop serving Canada,” he stressed.

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