Under the Reform Act, a bill drafted by Conservative MP Michael Chong and passed last spring, the caucus could have voted today to adopt a provision that only MPs vote for the interim leader.
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Eight people were in the running including Mike Lake, Diane Finley, Rob Nicholson, Erin O’Toole, Candice Bergen, Michelle Rempel and Denis Lebel.
Ambrose, 46, who was first elected in 2004 and has several cabinet positions under her belt, was chosen following voting under a preferential ballot process.
Harper addressed the start of the meeting Thursday, speaking for about 10 minutes and expressing regret at the party’s loss but also talking hopefully about its future.
Trudeau won October’s election partly by contrasting his open style with Harper’s approach of circling the wagons against what he perceived as a hostile media and establishment.
The position comes with a pay bump of $80,100, a auto and driver, and accommodation at Stornoway, the official residence of the Opposition leader. On Thursday, she deferred to caucus colleague Steven Blaney, although she did attempt to answer one question in French.
“I am doing research on all of them and learning about their backgrounds”, said Arnold.
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It’s not known when the Conservatives will hold a race for the permanent leadership of the party. “We feel very optimistic about our chances in the next election”. But “caucus” is defined as members of the House of Commons, not the Senate.
