Federal Conservatives set May 27, 2017, for leadership election

Prospective candidates for the federalConservative leadership have plenty of time to hit the road and start lobbying party members to drum up support.

The party's organizing committee met in Toronto last weekend and set May 27, 2017, as the leadership election date.

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"This will allow for a time frame that not just provides an exciting and competitive race for our members and all Canadians, but keeps it an open and fair contest for all potential candidates," said committee chairDan Nowlanin a release Tuesday.

Individuals must hold a party membership in order to vote. The party is encouraging everyone interested to either purchase or renew theirmemberships to ensure they're eligible.

Preston Manning on the Conservative leadership race

9 years ago

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Preston Manning

The release didn't specify a cutoff date for membership sales, which are key to the campaign ofany candidate looking to win the leadership by expanding the party's base beyond existing loyalists.

The committee has yet to decide otherrules for the race, but will do so and make further announcements in the coming weeks, according to the party's release.

Speaking on CBC News Network'sPower & Politics onTuesday, former Conservative defence minister PeterMacKayrefused to close the door entirely on the prospect of running for the leadership.

"I'm focused on my family, my future, which does not involve politics right now," he said."I've been involved in leadership campaigns before, and it does involve a great deal of effort. This is not immediately in front of me, this isn't something I'm contemplating and my focus quite frankly isn't on this."