Candice Bergen has been elected as the interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
In a caucus vote late last night, Conservative MPs gave the nod to Bergen to replace Erin O’Toole over 8 other candidates in the running.
O’Toole was voted out as the party leader earlier in the day, following a 73-45 vote.
Following the vote, O’Toole submitted his formal resignation to the party, but will stay on to serve as the Member of Parliament for Durham Region.
Bergen has served as MP in the Manitoba riding of Portage-Lisgar since 2008.
She was deputy leader of the Conservatives under O’Toole’s leadership and a cabinet minister in Stephen Harper’s government.
Bergen will head up the federal Conservatives until a new permanent leader is voted on through the party’s formal process.
Following the vote, O’Toole submitted his formal resignation to the party, effective immediately but will stay on to serve as the member of Parliament for Durham Region.
This is the third time the Conservatives have searched for a new leader since 2017.
Congratulations! @CandiceBergenMP pic.twitter.com/vWoOw87x78
— Conservative Party (@CPC_HQ) February 3, 2022
I want to express my gratitude and respect to @erinotoole for his leadership and the sacrifices he’s made for our party and caucus. Thanks also to Rebecca and the O’Toole family for their dedication and support. Erin is an asset and will continue to be a valued member of our team pic.twitter.com/BdZl907rYV
— Candice Bergen (@CandiceBergenMP) February 2, 2022