Andrew Scheer narrowly elected leader of federal Conservative party
TORONTO – Andrew Scheer, the apple-cheeked Saskatchewan MP and former Speaker of the House of Commons, survived a 13-ballot battle with presumed leadership front-runner Maxime Bernier on Saturday and eked out the narrowest of wins in the fight for the helm of the federal Conservatives.
The nail-biting process of winnowing the 13-candidate field went the full distance before Scheer, 38, was declared the winner with 50.95 per cent of the available points, barely besting longtime front-runner Maxime Bernier.
Bernier had led throughout the previous 12 ballots, but finished a close second with 49.05 per cent.
“What a campaign this has been,” Scheer told the crowd as he acknowledged and thanked Bernier — who appeared to be fighting back tears of disappointment — and his other leadership rivals for their efforts and hard work.