By Canadian Press

Erin O’Toole is out as Conservative leader — a look at some potential replacements

Feb 2, 2022 | 2:41 PM

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 considered running in the 2020 leadership race, but ultimately said it would take away from time with his young family. 

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 Canada 

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. 

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. 

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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 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2022.

Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press