Andrew Scheer steps down as Conservative leader

OTTAWA, December 12, 2019 – Conservative leader Andrew Scheer has stepped down as the Conservative leader today in the Conservative caucus meeting.

A formal announcement was then made in the House of Commons at 12:15pm.

Scheer stated, “I just informed my colleagues in the Conservative caucus that I will be stepping down as the leader of the Conservative party. I will be asking the Conservative Party National Council to immediately begin the process of organising a leadership election. As our party embarks on this exciting opportunity of electing a new Conservative leader and Canada’s next prime minister, I intend to stay on as leader of the party and the Official Opposition.”

“This was not a decision I came to lightly. This was a decision I came to after many long hard conversations with friends and family over the past two months since the election campaign.”

“I believe I am the first person in Canadian history to get more votes than a Trudeau,” joked Scheer. I do intend to serve the constituents of Regina-Qu’Appelle and will devote more time to doing that.”

He spoke briefly but did say, “I doubt I will become the Grover Cleveland of speakers,” implying he is not planning on running again in the next election.

He concluded in French by saying, “Thank you again to all of my colleagues.”

Prime Minister Trudeau stood up in the House of Commons and made a statement saying, “I know thoughts first and foremost are for family. I want to salute Jill [Scheer] and recognise his kids, who I know better than most, have made significant sacrifices to see their father take on a leadership position.”

“I very much wish him all the very, very best in his next and exciting steps whatever they may be. Be they here in the house or beyond. I want to thank him deeply for his service to Canada on behalf of all Canadians,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Andrew Scheer has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Regina—Qu’Appelle since 2004 and will continue in that position representing his riding.