Local Tory MP welcomes new leader

North Okanagan-Shuswap MP Mel Arnold has welcomed the election of Erin O’Toole as leader of the federal Conservative Party.

“Last night, the Conservative Party of Canada took another important step in our mission to restore sound governance for Canadians and I congratulate my friend and colleague Erin O’Toole on his election to the leadership of our party and the Official Opposition,” Arnold said in a statement released Monday. “The Conservative leadership campaign of 2020 was truly historic as all four candidates contended with unprecedented circumstances and overcame major challenges to ensure our grassroots members were presented with a strong slate of candidates.”

Three others in the running included Peter McKay, Leslyn Lewis and Derek Sloan.

“During the leadership campaign, the Conservative Party set a new record of 269,469 members and achieved record voter participation with 174,849 ballots cast for the leadership vote.

“Conservatives are clearly engaged in our national affairs and ready to work hard to achieve results for Canadians, even during a pandemic,” he said.

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Arnold said he is eager to work with the new leader to hold the Liberal government to account.

Arnold also thanked outgoing leader Andrew Scheer for his service.