A UNB Saint John political science professor finds the timing of Andrew Scheer’s resignation surprising but not his decision to leave the role of party leader.
J.P. Lewis says Scheer had reasons to be defiant and not resigning immediately after the election.
“I know a lot of people [said] this was an election the Conservatives could have won. He did make the case, repeatedly, the Conservatives won more votes. The Liberals are in a minority situation now so maybe it’s not the time to change party leaders now when we could have another snap election,” Lewis said.
Lewis says Scheer’s departure is good news for the Liberal party.
“And now when you have the leader of the Opposition abruptly resign in not as smooth a fashion as the night of [the election]. It definitely buys this Liberal government a bit more room as they manoeuvre as a minority government,” Lewis said.
He thinks the Conservatives will want to hold a leadership convention sooner than later.
In terms of the next leader, Lewis says it’s an attractive political position because you are not that far out of forming government.
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