While Peter MacKay has a narrow first-ballot lead, O’Toole’s the top second ballot choice of Leslyn Lewis & Derek Sloan supporters.
A new Mainstreet Research poll shows Erin O’Toole surging in the CPC leadership race, cutting into Peter MacKay’s narrow lead, and gaining a second-ballot advantage.
On the first ballot, MacKay has the support of 39.6% of respondents. O’Toole is close behind with 34%. Leslyn Lewis has the support of 8.6% of respondents, while Derek Sloan is in last place with 5.2%. 12.6% say they are undecided.
However, since the Conservative leadership race is multi-ballot, second choice numbers are important.
And there, O’Toole has the support of 24.1%, ahead of MacKay who is at 18.4%. 13.1% name Lewis as their second choice, while 7.5% pick Sloan.
This gives O’Toole more room to grow than MacKay, and shows MacKay’s appeal may be more limited within the Conservative Party.
Recently, there has been growing evidence that O’Toole was gaining support, particularly with his tough stance against China – which may have more credibility due to O’Toole’s military service.
The race is certainly still close, but the momentum appears to be with O’Toole at this point, and his campaign appears well-positioned with the deadline for new memberships approaching.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – Twitter
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