The Conservative Party of Canada has announced it will hold a third leadership debate for the candidates seeking to succeed Erin O’Toole as the party’s official leader.
The party’s leadership election organizing committee said it made the decision after a survey of 24,000 members found 65 percent supported the move.
The announcement will be welcomed by former Quebec premier and leadership candidate Jean Charest, who called for a third debate in a social media post Wednesday afternoon.
Along with Charest, candidates Scott Aitchison and Roman Baber have expressed support for a third debate.
Leslie Lewis’s campaign recently said she was traveling to caucus members around the country but would attend a third debate if the party decided to hold one.
Ayes have it! LEOC is holding its third leadership debate. Thanks to the 24,000 members who answered our poll, voting overwhelmingly (65%) for more action. Stay tuned for details. #cdnpoli
—@CPC_HQ
Members saw candidates perform in two party-sanctioned debates in May. The English debate was held in Edmonton, followed by a French debate in Laval, Que.
The party has told campaigns that they can expect candidates to be called back for a possible third debate in early August.
Charest’s address and call for a new debate comes after party members began voting for their next leader and the party began validating the ballots that were returned.
The party is looking at an electoral roll of more than 670,000 names, more than double the size when members elected O’Toole to lead the Conservatives in 2020.
The official results of this competition will be announced in Ottawa on September 10.
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