A former municipal election candidate has cut ties with the Eugene Manning campaign in the PC leadership race. Greg Smith says he has stepped away because as an advocate for 2SLGBGTQIA+ rights, he cannot support any association with the federal Conservative party led by Pierre Poilievre.

Manning replied with a statement, saying, “I first met Greg when he approached me to manage his 2021 Municipal Campaign. I remain proud of the team we mobilized and the work that we did. I will note that my membership status with the CPC nor PCNL changed during or since that time. I wish Greg all the very best in his future political and personal endeavours.

“As this has become a topic of discussion, I look forward to my fellow leadership contestants, Tony Wakeham and Lloyd Parrot, clarifying their position as it relates to their membership and involvement in the Conservative Party of Canada.””