The MP-elect for the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot has decided to step down to allow Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre to run.

Poilievre lost his own seat in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton in Monday’s election, but indicated he does not intend to step down as leader of the party.

In a release issued today, Damien Kurek, who won his seat by a significant margin, says he has decided to step aside to allow the party leader to run in a by-election.

He believes the move is what’s best for Canada and for his riding, which he has represented since 2019.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will call the by-election, as necessary, without delay.