Former Foreign Minister, Baird, Refutes Rumours of Seeking Tory Leadership

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

Canada: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…

A veteran Conservative politician and former Canadian Foreign Minister, John Baird, has excused himself from running for the leadership of the Conservative Party to replace Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Monday. After almost a decade of holding power, Mr. Harper led his party to electoral defeat on Oct. 19.

In the statement issued by Mr. Baird, he mentioned that “while I have indeed received expressions of interest and am tremendously flattered by the support, I will not be running for leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.” He pointed out that “when I retired from politics, I spoke about starting a new chapter in my life. I am extremely happy with this new chapter and will remain dedicated to my work in the private sector.” The Conservatives will be handing over the power to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, who won a majority of seats in the House of Commons, on Nov. 4. Reports claim that Harper is planning to step down at the helm of his party and almost all analysts are highlighting the need for a more charming leader of the party to match Trudeau’s charismatic outlook.

Since Baird left his position in the part and moved into the corporate world, Defense Minister Jason Kenney is being widely considered as the most worthy contender to take over as Conservative leader. However, other possible candidates include Treasury Board President Tony Clement, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, former Justice Minister Peter MacKay, Labour Minister Kellie Leitch and junior minister for western economic diversification Michel Rempel.