Harper steps away from role with Tory fund

As the federal Conservative leadership race begins drawing party grandees into potential candidates’ camps, former prime minister Stephen Harper appears to be taking a step to the side.

Harper has left his role with the fundraising arm of the federal Conservative party, posting a message to his social-media account thanking the Conservative Fund for its work.

“Their record of fundraising and expenditure management has been unparalleled in federal politics, with issues managed quickly and professionally,” he wrote. “It has been a pleasure to serve with them.” He said he looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the Conservatives through his work as chairman of the International Democratic Union, an alliance of centre-right political parties around the world.

It was a rare public comment on party matters from Harper since he resigned as Conservative leader in 2015, and came amid speculation that he’d stepped back so he could play a role in the current race to succeed leader Andrew Scheer — as a director of the Fund, Harper was required to remain neutral.

But two sources close to Harper told The Canadian Press the decision to step aside dates back months and is linked to his concerns he occupies too large a role in the party’s operations. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on Harper’s behalf.

His decision does come as key figures in the conservative world are jockeying into positions either as candidates for the Tory leadership or on the teams supporting them.

The teams backing former Conservative cabinet ministers Erin O’Toole, Pierre Poilievre and Peter MacKay include operatives instrumental in Ontario and national conservative politics.

They include Jeff Ballingall, who runs rightwing online advocacy campaigns under the banner of “Canada Proud,” and who is now working for O’Toole. MacKay is working with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s former campaign chief Michael Diamond.