Conservative MP Alain Rayes quit his job in the party and gave up his post as political lieutenant for Quebec.
Posted at 10:06 a.m.
The member for Richmond-Arthabaska announced on Sunday that he had given up his role as political lieutenant for Quebec as well as his duties within the shadow cabinet.
“The next leadership race will be decisive for the Conservative Party of Canada. I want to play an important role by supporting a candidate. I therefore have no choice but to leave my current position. My dearest wish is for the Conservative Party of Canada to have a leader who represents progressive ideals and values,” he said in a statement.
MNA Luc Berthold will act as deputy leader of the official opposition and political lieutenant for Quebec. “I am touched by the confidence shown in me by the leader of the Party, the Honorable Candice Bergen. With the support of my family, I undertake this mandate with optimism at the dawn of a leadership campaign.
The announcement comes the day after that of Pierre Poilievre. The MP for Carleton confirmed on Twitter that he will run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. Earlier Wednesday, Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole was ousted from office by his caucus in Ottawa. A survey by Nanos published the day before in the Globe and Mail put Mr. Poilievre, 42, in a leading position to succeed him.