Erin O'Toole tells Conservative Party to delay leadership contest over coronavirus

Conservative Leadership contender Erin O'Toole has asked the CPC leadership committee (LEOC) to delay the contest, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are in unprecedented times for our country," said O'Toole. The LEOC "should ensure that all time and resources of our Conservative caucus and our grassroots members can be focused on helping our constituents and the needs of our communities in the fight against COVID-19."

O'Toole also asked his leadership team and his supporters to support their own communities whenever they have the chance.

Erin O'Toole is not the only candidate who has requested an extension from the LEOC. Both Marilyn Gladu and Rudy Husny also pressured the leadership body so that they would either postpone or delay the contest.

"I still fundamentally believe now is not the time to campaign," said Husny. "During this national health crisis, I don’t have the heart to call our members to ask them to support my nomination and to donate money."

"I wouldn’t be true to myself if I did," he added. Husny declared that he would drop out of the race unless the LEOC changed the schedule.

Marilyn Gladu also posted a statement to twitter where she criticized the LEOC. "We are all responsible for flattening the curb," she said.

"I am disappointed in the apparent decision of the Conservative Party of Canada’s LEOC with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic, and their refusal to amend the 2020 leadership election schedule to address the new reality of the pandemic."

Fellow leadership candidate Peter MacKay has not yet made a statement.

As well as this, a brighter spotlight was placed on the LEOC after a petition was established by Elect Conservatives calling on the party to delay the leadership election until the coronavirus turmoil has stabilized.