Quebec Conservative MP Alain Rayes announced he will be leaving the Party to sit as an independent, citing leader Pierre Poilievre as his reason for departure.."I respect the choice made by Conservative members of the Conservative Party of Canada during the last leadership race," Rayes, the MP for Richmond—Arthabaska, said on Twitter.."However, some of my political ideals, values and convictions are not compatible with the new path undertaken by our political formation".Rayes cited concerns with the party's new stance on law and order, environmental issues, and he highlighted the importance of respect between elected officials. ."I leave without bitterness and remain driven by the deep desire to continue to serve the population on the political scene, and this, with the same passion, rigor and dedication as usual.".Rayes supported former Quebec Premier Jean Charest as a candidate during the Conservative leadership race, but Poilievre was elected Saturday, securing 68% of the vote on the first ballot. .During a press conference on Tuesday, when asked about Rayes departure, Poilievre said he "decided not to fight Justin Trudeau's inflation."."We're working to fight the inflationary deficits and taxes imposed by Justin Trudeau. The citizens of Mr. Rayes riding agree, they voted for me in the leadership race, and I believe that all Conservatives that remain in the caucus agree.".Poilievre won nearly every riding in Canada in the leadership race, including Rayes' riding of Richmond–Arthabaska by 53%, compared to Charest's 42%. In total, Charest only won six ridings in Quebec and two in Ontario..Quebec Conservative MP Joel Godin also said back in August he may leave caucus if Poilievre became leader, even floating the idea of creating a new party. .But following Poilievre's victory, Godin changed his tone..“I am very comfortable working with Pierre Poilievre. I want to congratulate him for the beautiful and impressive victory,” he said.
Quebec Conservative MP Alain Rayes announced he will be leaving the Party to sit as an independent, citing leader Pierre Poilievre as his reason for departure.."I respect the choice made by Conservative members of the Conservative Party of Canada during the last leadership race," Rayes, the MP for Richmond—Arthabaska, said on Twitter.."However, some of my political ideals, values and convictions are not compatible with the new path undertaken by our political formation".Rayes cited concerns with the party's new stance on law and order, environmental issues, and he highlighted the importance of respect between elected officials. ."I leave without bitterness and remain driven by the deep desire to continue to serve the population on the political scene, and this, with the same passion, rigor and dedication as usual.".Rayes supported former Quebec Premier Jean Charest as a candidate during the Conservative leadership race, but Poilievre was elected Saturday, securing 68% of the vote on the first ballot. .During a press conference on Tuesday, when asked about Rayes departure, Poilievre said he "decided not to fight Justin Trudeau's inflation."."We're working to fight the inflationary deficits and taxes imposed by Justin Trudeau. The citizens of Mr. Rayes riding agree, they voted for me in the leadership race, and I believe that all Conservatives that remain in the caucus agree.".Poilievre won nearly every riding in Canada in the leadership race, including Rayes' riding of Richmond–Arthabaska by 53%, compared to Charest's 42%. In total, Charest only won six ridings in Quebec and two in Ontario..Quebec Conservative MP Joel Godin also said back in August he may leave caucus if Poilievre became leader, even floating the idea of creating a new party. .But following Poilievre's victory, Godin changed his tone..“I am very comfortable working with Pierre Poilievre. I want to congratulate him for the beautiful and impressive victory,” he said.