Conservative MP-elect Damien Kurek announced Friday that he will resign his seat in Parliament to make way for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre to run in an upcoming by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River—Crowfoot.Kurek, who has represented the riding since 2019, said the decision came after careful consideration and discussion with his family. “It has been a tremendous honour to serve the good people of Battle River—Crowfoot,” Kurek said in a statement. “After much discussion with my wife Danielle, I have decided to step aside for this Parliamentary session to allow our Conservative Party Leader to run here in a by-election.”.Kurek defeated defeated his Liberal opponent by 46,020 votes in Monday's election.Poilievre recently led the Conservative Party through a national campaign that secured the highest vote share for the party since 1988, but he failed to secure his seat in Ottawa.Kurek cited the need for strong leadership in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account, calling Poilievre’s presence in Parliament “what’s best for Canada” and for the constituents of Battle River—Crowfoot..“An unstoppable movement has grown under his leadership,” Kurek said, adding that allowing Poilievre to represent the riding will help ensure rural voices are not forgotten in Ottawa.Though stepping aside, Kurek confirmed he intends to remain active in local politics and plans to run again in the next general election.“I will keep working with our incredible local team to do everything I can to remain the strong voice for you,” he said. “We need to build on the momentum that we have with that strong united vision that will restore the Canadian promise.”No date has yet been announced for the by-election but on Friday Prime Minister Mark Carney said he would call one as soon as possible."No games, said Carney.
