The Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP says the new deputy Conservative leader will be a good fit in that role.

Cathy McLeod was speaking to NL News about Candice Bergen, the MP for Portage-Lisgar in Manitoba, being appointed as the deputy leader today by Erin O’Toole.

“Candice has been both a friend and a colleague who I’ve admired for many years. We were both elected in 2008. And she’s done a tremendous job as the house leader of the Official Opposition for the past five years. So really, really excited to see her take on the role of deputy leader,” McLeod says.

“Candice, as house leader, showed herself to be a good negotiator, knowledgable, she’s very articulate, she’s very passionate. And then of course I’m also very thrilled with the new house leader Gerard Deltell… He’s an incredibly powerful orator, very experienced in the Legislative Assembly in Quebec.”

Meanwhile, McLeod isn’t speculating about what role she might play in O’Toole’s shadow cabinet when he unveils it next week.

She was the Natural Resource Critic under Andrew Scheer, and O’Toole has said addressing western alienation is a top priority going forward for his party.

“He’s got many people and is really putting a team together, and he’s got to look at both geography and abilities, many factors. It’s not an easy job for any leader, but I would be delighted to take on many, many different roles within our Conservative party.”