In a statement, Rayes – who endorsed Jean Charest in the leadership race – says that while he respects the members’ decision, “some of my political ideals, values and beliefs are not compatible with the new path.” “I leave without bitterness and remain driven by a deep desire to continue serving the public in the political arena,” he wrote. Reyes said he wrote to the Speaker of the House of Commons on Tuesday to inform him of his choice to sit as an independent, a move that will trigger a new seating arrangement in the chamber. “I remain a proud Progressive Conservative and will continue to serve my constituents in Richmond-Arthabaska with determination,” said the MP who was first elected in 2015. Rayes was the party’s deputy leader and lieutenant governor of Quebec until February, when he stepped down from that role, indicating he wanted to focus on the leadership race. Throughout the seven-month campaign, Rayes was among two dozen conservative caucus members behind Charest, who came in a distant second to Poilievre on Saturday.
Official Statement // Official Statement 🗒️👇#polcan #cndpoli 📺 pic.twitter.com/ADNJO2x5fQ — Alain Rayes (@AlainRayes) September 13, 2022 More to come…
