Former minister Peter MacKay will not run for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).
Posted at 10:33 p.m.
Mr MacKay made the announcement in a video message posted to social media on Saturday, explaining that he had made the decision after consulting with friends, colleagues and family.
The former cabinet minister in Stephen Harper’s Conservative government came second to ex-leader Erin O’Toole in 2020. In the video, MacKay mentioned he was still paying off the debt from that contest .
Mr. MacKay was leader of the Progressive Conservatives when the party merged with the Canadian Alliance to form the CPC.
So far, four candidates are in the running: former Quebec premier Jean Charest, Ottawa-area MP Pierre Poilievre, former 2020 leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis and independent MPP for Ontario Roman Barber.
Mr MacKay said he will continue to support interim leader Candice Bergen and will also back the eventual winner of the leadership vote.
The next Conservative leader will be known on September 10.