Conservative MP-elect Damien Kurek will step aside from his Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, paving the way for Pierre Poilievre to contest a byelection and return to Parliament after losing his longtime seat in Carleton.
The announcement comes just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated he was prepared to call a byelection “as soon as possible” to facilitate Poilievre’s re-entry into the House of Commons.
Kurek, who first won the seat in 2019 and secured more than 80 per cent of the vote in this election, said the decision wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to help drive the party forward under Poilievre’s leadership.
“Although it will be hard to temporarily step away from this role in the region I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me clearly states that change is needed,” Kurek said. “Offering this seat to our Party Leader is an important step in that process.”
Poilievre, who was defeated by over 4,300 votes in Carleton by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy, accepted the offer with “humility and appreciation” and said he would work to earn the trust of Battle River–Crowfoot voters. He reiterated his commitment to challenging the Liberal minority government and “bringing real change to all Canadians.”
While Poilievre remains Conservative Party leader, he is no longer recognized as the Leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Commons. Until he secures a seat, an interim leader will represent the party in Parliament. The party’s caucus is expected to meet early next week to determine its direction and leadership strategy under provisions of the Reform Act, which empowers MPs to review and potentially remove their leader.
Despite the defeat, party insiders, including former leader Andrew Scheer, say Poilievre has the support to remain at the helm.