Kenney urges unity, says Conservative Party leadership is ‘not of any interest to me’
Global News
Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole will face a vote on his leadership Wednesday after 35 MPs signed a petition to force the vote over the weekend.
As Erin O’Toole prepares for a vote on his leadership by members of his caucus, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said he wouldn’t pursue the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada if O’Toole is ousted.
During an update on the COVID-19 situation in Alberta on Monday, Kenney urged party unity when asked if he would consider running for the leadership.
“No, I am so completely focused on these incredibly huge challenges that we’re facing right now. That’s not of any interest to me,” Kenney said. “I do hope that my friends in the Conservative Party of Canada will find a way to work through their process with as much respect for their colleagues as they can.
“At the end of the day, they’ve got to be united, and Canadians are counting on them to be an effective Opposition.”
Kenney, who endorsed O’Toole in the 2020 Conservative Party leadership race, said he still supports O’Toole in the role.
“I don’t think, in the long run, it makes sense to change leaders after every election,” Kenney said. “I think stability and continuity are important conservative principles.”
O’Toole will face a vote on his leadership Wednesday after 35 MPs signed a petition to force the vote over the weekend. The existence of the petition was first reported by the Globe and Mail.
Several Alberta MPs have since voiced their opposition to O’Toole’s leadership of the party and have called on him to resign.