Canada’s Conservative leader Andrew Scheer is stepping down after facing criticism for failing to oust Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in October’s election.
He told the House of Commons it was “one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made”.
Mr Scheer said he would stay on in his role until the party chooses a new leader.
He only became leader in May 2017 in a razor thin victory against 12 rivals.
Mr Trudeau thanked Mr Scheer for “his dedication and service” and said he understood the many sacrifices made by the families of politicians. “I wish him all the very, very best in his next steps.”
Why is he resigning?
Making the announcement on Thursday, Mr Scheer, 40, spoke about the sacrifices made by his family for his political career.
The decision to resign was not made lightly, he said. “But in order to chart the course ahead, this party, this movement needs someone who can give 100 per cent to the efforts.
“And after some conversations with my kids and my wife and loved ones, I felt it was time to put my family first.”
He said the strain of an election had taken a toll on five children and wife, Jill, whom he called “heroic”.
Mr Scheer has served in federal politics since 2004 since being elected to the House of Commons at age 25.
Mr Scheer’s resignation came amid revelations, first reported by Global News, that the Conservative Party had helped cover the cost of private school for the Conservative leader’s children.
Conservative Party Executive Director Dustin van Vugt said in a statement the party had offered to reimburse some of the costs associated with being party leader and relocating Mr Scheer’s family to Canada’s capital, “as is the normal practice for political parties”.
