Erin O'Toole announced on Wednesday that he would be stepping down as leader of the Conservative party.
The announcement came after 73 members of the party voted for his removal with 45 members voting in his favour.
Yorkton This Week spoke with Conservative Yorkton-Melville Member of Parliament, Cathay Wagantall.
The local MP voted but did not disclose which way she cast her ballot, as caucus rules prohibit it.
“Regardless, [of the outcome] I just want to express my support for Erin,” said Wagantall. “He’s worked very hard."
"During the election there were a number of issues. Canadians felt that they were misled on some of these issues."
Wagantall referred to the word ‘flip-flop’ regarding O’Toole’s stance on different arguments.
"What I heard a lot was, 'We don't need another left-wing party'," said Wagantall of the voters’ perspectives. "People want to see a true alternative to the Liberals."
Wagantall said the Conservative Party is still strong in Ottawa and likened them to a family.
"We are a caucus of a lot of varying perspectives,” she said.
Wagantall said the results of the vote are a step in the right direction.
“I believe that we are doing what is best for our party and what is best for Canada,” she said.
“We’re looking to the future.”
Wagantall stated later in an e-mail to Yorkton This Week, “I am pleased to see the concerns within our caucus and amongst supporters in my riding addressed. I am pleased to have Candice Bergen serving as interim leader. I look forward to our members choosing the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in the near future.”
Wagantall also took time to express her support for the Freedom Convoy protest.
“I’m proud of the efforts of everyday Canadians in the convoy,” she said.
At the same time the MP condemned the desecration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the presence of Neo-Nazis among peaceful protestors.
“These acts are totally not acceptable,” she said, adding, “some people will come just to cause issues,” and, “these individuals should be held responsible.”
