Candice Bergen named interim leader of Conservative Party

The Conservative Party of Canada has named Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen as its interim leader. 

The announcement came Wednesday evening after a vote by caucus members. 

The Conservative Party ousted Erin O'Toole as its leader earlier in the day following a secret ballot vote in a caucus meeting. O'Toole shared a video statement on social media in the afternoon calling it a "privilege of a lifetime" to serve as the party leader. 

Bergen has served as the Deputy Leader of the official opposition since September 2021. She also took to social media earlier in the day thanking O'Toole for his leadership. 

"I want to express my gratitude and respect for Erin O'Toole," she writes "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."