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Peter MacKay again denies he’s angling for run at Conservative leadership

Oct 31, 2019 | 8:31 AM

OTTAWA — Former cabinet minister Peter MacKay is again trying to quell rumours that he’s planning to seek the leadership of the Conservative party should the job come open in the next six months.

MacKay delivered a blistering critique Wednesday of Andrew Scheer, calling the current Conservative leader’s social conservative values a “stinking albatross” around his neck that cost the party the election.

Hours later, however, he tweeted his support for Scheer, saying his comments were aimed at helping the party improve to win the next election.

MacKay says reports that he’s organizing a leadership run are false.

Ever since the Conservatives lost the 2015 campaign, and with it their leader Stephen Harper, MacKay’s name has been top of mind for many party faithful as a worthy successor.

With Scheer now facing a leadership review after failing to win a majority of House of Commons seats last week, speculation is circulating anew that MacKay will toss his hat into the ring.

This report by The Canadian Press first published on Oct. 31, 2019.

The Canadian Press

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