An Edmonton-area MP has been selected as interim leader of The Conservative Party, a move the Foothills MP says is the first step towards seeing the party will regain government in four years.
Sturgeon River-Parkland MP Rona Ambrose has been named the interim leader of the Conservative Party
Foothills MP John Barlow said Ambrose will be a strong leader for the party and Canadians can expect one of the strongest opposition parties in parliamentary history.
“I think she’s a very strong choice,” he said. “She has experience, she was in opposition before. She’s got some good energy and she’ll bring a new perspective.”
Ambrose was first elected in 2004 and has previously served in cabinet under a number of portfolios, including minister of health, environment, labour public works and western diversification.
She was selected in a vote by Conservative MPs and senators. The results are not being released. Seven MPs sought the leadership, including Ambrose, former minister of state for social development Candace Bergen, Durham MP Erin O’Toole, former infrastructure minister Denis Lebel, Edmonton–Wetaskiwin MP Mike Lake, Rob Nicholson, who has held several cabinet positions and former public works minister Diane Finley.
As interim leader, Ambrose cannot run for the party leadership to replace former Prime Minsiter Stephen Harper, but others who sought the interim leadership can still throw their hats in the ring.
Barlow said Ambrose will select her deputy interim leader, house leaders and shadow cabinet members.
“We want to be more inclusive, we want to ensure the caucus members have a voice in the decisions that we make,” he said. “I certainly don’t think former prime minister Harper was any different.”
According to Barlow, Ambrose is also focusing on reconnecting with the party’s volunteers and grassroots across the country to get the involved in party renewal.
Barlow said no details are available on the leadership race, but he expects potential candidates to start working on their campaigns.
However, he said there’s no need to rush the selection process because it’s a big decision for the party and its members.
“We want to make sure we select the right leader, whoever that may be,” he said. “We have some time, [the next election] is four years away. We want to ensure the next leader is in place in time to prepare us for the election, but our interim leader will start to build that momentum.”
