Erin O'Toole becomes the new leader of the CPC and Leader of the Opposition

Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards said he’s happy with the outcome of the Conservative Party of Canada’s leadership race.

Richards endorsed Durham MP Erin O’Toole in the race.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. I think he’s the right person for, not only that job, but the right person to be the Prime Minister of this country,” he said. “I believe he is someone who has what it takes to keep the Conservative Party united but also keep this country united.”

It’s the second time O’Toole has run for the leadership and the second time Richards has endorsed the Ontario MP. O’Tool also ran in 2017, losing the leadership race to Andrew Scheer.

In his first speech as leader, O’Toole said there is a place in his party for all Canadians, regardless of race, religion, economic standing, education or sexual orientation.

“I'm Erin O'Toole, you're going to be seeing and hearing a lot from me in the coming weeks and months, but I want you to know from the start that I'm here to fight for you and your family,”

As for what the next steps will be for the party under a new leader, Richards said he will have to select his shadow cabinet and prepare for Parliament to resume in September.

The MP believes there will be a lot of work ahead as they also get Canadians acquainted with who the new CPC leader is.

“I think he’s someone who can pull votes from right across Canada and can win people over to the Conservative Party who have never voted for us before.”

Richards said the pandemic makes everything a little more difficult, but they hope to utilize social media platforms more than ever to help get their message out to constituents.