OTTAWA — Erin O'Toole has been voted out as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. A look at some potential contenders to replace him:
Pierre Poilievre — The Ottawa-area MP and finance critic is regarded as a front-runner and a favourite among the grassroots. He speaks French and considered running in the 2020 leadership race, but ultimately said it would take away from time with his young family.Â
Leslyn Lewis — The newly-elected MP from Ontario placed third in the last leadership race. She entered as a relative unknown and became the top pick among many social conservatives and party members from Western CanadaÂ
Marilyn Gladu — The MP from southwestern Ontario told reporters Wednesday she's considering another run at the leadership. Gladu entered the 2020 race but failed to meet the party's criteria. In recent months, she's become a vocal critic of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.Â
Rona Ambrose — A cabinet minister in the Conservative government of former prime minister Stephen Harper who became interim leader after he lost the 2015 election. In 2020, Ambrose, who hails from Western Canada, decided against vying for the leadership despite the desire of many members to see her run.Â
She did so again Wednesday, saying in a statement: "It's really hard to see what's happening and not jump back in to help. My heart says yes but my head says no. I'm not going to go back at this juncture in my life."Â
Patrick Brown — The mayor of Brampton, Ont., said before Wednesday's vote that his "only focus right now is getting Brampton reopened." However, some Tories are still looking to him, given his political roots in the region as not only a local politician but as a former leader of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party. The federal Conservatives are conscious of the need to pick up votes in the Greater Toronto Area.
Michelle Rempel Garner — The Alberta MP is one of the most recognizable figures among Canadians within the Conservative caucus. She is known for standing up for the province's oil and gas industry and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ Canadians. Her name is often floated for leadership roles. She did not enter the 2020 leadership contest.Â
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2022.
Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press
