Conservative leadership still up for grabs, Peter MacKay bows out

Long-time Conservative MP and Minister Peter MacKay has announced he will not be running for party leadership.

MacKay, who served in the Parliament of Canada for over 18 years, was considered the favourite up until this point.

In January, he joined the law firm Baker & McKenzie as a partner in their Toronto office.

“Over the summer, I have contemplated a return to public life and entering into the race to lead the Conservative Party of Canada,” he said in a lengthy statement. “The decision to seek the leadership is an enormous one, that would have both personal and professional consequences for many people in my life.

“After much soul searching, advice from trusted friends, and weighing of the impact on my young family, I have decided not to seek the leadership of the Party.”

MacKay chose not to seek re-election last year and is citing the same reasons for stepping out of the race for leadership.

With his wife Nazanin and two children, 3 and 11 months old, to go home to, MacKay isn’t ready step away in such a capacity.

“Having run for federal leadership successfully back in 2003, I know the demands and time away from home that it requires,” he continued.

“I am optimistic about the future of the Conservative Party of Canada; I am confident that with a steady, modern, interim leader in Rona Ambrose, many new and veteran Members of Parliament, and with an impressive and well-financed level of national support, the Party stands as a strong, loyal opposition and alternative Government.”