A campaign has started to change the Conservative Party rules so Rona Ambrose can run to be the party’s permanent leader.
Ambrose, the MP for Sturgeon River-Parkland, is currently serving as the interim leader after former prime minister Stephen Harper stepped down following the October federal election.
She has garnered praise for her performance in the role. Now a group of Tories is aiming to change the rules and “draft Rona” for the permanent job.
Kerry Diotte, the MP for Edmonton-Griesbach, said he signed onto the “Draft Rona” campaign because he was so impressed with how Ambrose has performed.
The campaign is being spearheaded by Ontario MP Scott Reid.
“We would be remiss if we did not try to do what we can,” Diotte said.
It’s not simply a matter of convincing Ambrose to run. She’s said she’ll stick with the party’s rules, which don’t allow the interim leader to run.
They need 100 different delegates from 100 different ridings to sign their petition to get an amendment to the party’s constitution considered during the party’s upcoming convention in Vancouver. The convention kicks off on Thursday.
“She’s told us she has to abide by the rules,” Diotte said. But if the rules are changed?
Diotte said he was “quite hopeful” Ambrose would consider running if that happens.
Ambrose told the Gazette in December that she’d been approached to run for permanent leader and wasn’t interested, but thought the interim role would be a good fit for her.
She’s been an MP in the region since 2004. Her most recent cabinet portfolio was health before the Tories found themselves on the opposition benches.
Three candidates have formally announced their intentions to seek the leadership, all current MPs. Maxime Bernier, Michael Chong and Kellie Leitch are all actively campaigning for the job.
The Conservative Party has selected May 27, 2017 as the date for the leadership vote.
