Less than two years of being at the party’s helm of affairs, Erin O’Toole has been voted out as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
After about one-third of them signed a notice that triggered a leadership review, the party’s members of Parliament met virtually to cast secret ballots.
In a statement obtained by newsmen, Ontario MP and national caucus chair Scott Reid stated that 73 Conservative MPs voted to replace him while 45 endorsed him.
There are 119 Conservative MPs, including O’Toole. As caucus chair, Reid said he did not vote.
Reacting to the development, Erin O’Toole said he will stay on as a Conservative member of Parliament despite being pushed out of the party’s top spot by a majority of his fellow MPs.
In his farewell video, O’Toole, 49, said he had officially resigned as party leader and would remain in his seat as the MP for the southern Ontario riding of Durham. He also pledged his loyalty to the next Conservative leader, urging all in the party to do the same.
O’Toole said he is proud to have had the chance to lead the Conservative Party of Canada.
“I’d like to offer some parting thoughts on what I believe our party needs and what this country needs at this critical moment”
“This country needs a Conservative party that is both an intellectual force and a governing force. Ideology without power is vanity. Seeking power without ideology is hubris.”
He says he has a message for his party, that he also plans to share with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“You need only take a walk down the street in front of Parliament to see how divided we are,” O’Toole said. “Hear the other side. Listen to all voices, not just the echoes from your own tribe. “Realize that our country is divided and people are worried. Work together because how we as leaders act now will define the next generation.”
It is important to note that he became the first party leader to be removed under a process outlined in the Reform Act, legislation passed in 2015 that allows a caucus to give members the power to trigger a leadership review.
