O’Toole launches Conservative leadership bid as Raitt edges closer
OTTAWA — Conservative MP Erin O’Toole has joined the growing number of candidates to replace former prime minister Stephen Harper as party leader, a list that is becoming increasingly heavy with contenders from Ontario.
“I think Ontario will be very important, not just in the leadership race but in the next election,” O’Toole, 43, said in an interview Friday.
The former veterans affairs minister, who has represented the Toronto-area riding of Durham, Ont., since 2012, will be the third official leadership candidate from the populous province when he completes his registration with the party next week, following fellow MPs Kellie Leitch and Michael Chong.
Conservative MP Lisa Raitt, a former cabinet minister who represents Milton, Ont., announced by Twitter on Friday morning that she was stepping down from her role as finance critic to continue leadership discussions. Chris Alexander, the former immigration minister defeated in the Ontario riding of Ajax in 2015, has also been saying that he will soon join the race.