Here Who's Running For Conservative Leadership So Far & They're All After Trudeau's Job

Pierre Poilievre

This MP from Ottawa was one of the first to announce his campaign for the position. This will be his first go for Conservative leadership after having been a member of parliament since 2004.

He's a vocal critic of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, saying in his campaign announcement video that "Trudeau thinks he's your boss. He's got it backwards. You're the boss. That's why I'm running for prime minister."

"Our destination is a Canada where the government is servant, not master," he added.

Jean Charest

If Pierre Poilievre is the new face, then Jean Charest is the experienced veteran. Charest has been involved in the Conservative party since the 1980s, where he was a cabinet minister for the Brian Mulroney government.

Since then, he's not only been involved in federal politics but provincial politics too; he was the premier of Quebec from 2003 to 2012.

"We need to stop our internal divisions and all work together to beat Justin Trudeau and the liberals," said Charest in a March 13 tweet.

Leslyn Lewis

Lewis, the MP for Haldimand—Norfolk since 2021, is no stranger to the conservative leadership race.

In the 2020 leadership election, she placed third behind Erin O'Toole and Peter MacKay, and in 2022, she's going back for another attempt.

According to CBC, she's been critical of certain COVID-19 measures, worrying they might signify a "socialist coup."

In her campaign announcement video, she called out Trudeau, saying that "the prime minister needs to take responsibility for his failed leadership."

Roman Baber

The independent MPP from Ontario announced his candidacy on March 9, saying that "change is coming."

Baber has received attention in the past for his views on COVID-19 lockdowns, saying they're related to "political correctness." This opposition got him kicked out of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party by Doug Ford in 2021.

"I am grateful to Canadians who stood with me for the last 15 months," Baber said ahead of his announcement. "You can always count on me to say what I believe & do what I believe to be right."

Patrick Brown

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has also announced his candidacy for the position.

Not only has he had experience in municipal affairs, he's served as both a federal member of parliament and the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, but stepped down from the latter due to sexual misconduct allegations.

"I will run to become the leader of Canada's Conservatives," said the Brampton mayor, "and ensure Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is defeated in the next federal election."

Other rumoured candidates

These five candidates might not be the only folks gunning for the Conservative leadership.

People who have expressed interest or are rumoured to be preparing for a leadership race — but have not officially announced their campaign — include Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, per Global News, and former MP Leona Alleslev, according to the Toronto Star.