Clark's personal popularity grew as, once again, scandal enveloped Chrétien's Liberal government. Clark was widely trusted by Canadians, but this, in his own words, did not translate into more votes and additional seats. Citing this, Clark announced his intention to step down as PC leader on August 6, 2002, at the PC Party's Edmonton policy convention. It was expected that a pro-Alliance merger candidate would succeed Clark, but Clark was instead replaced by Peter MacKay on May 31, 2003. MacKay had signed a controversial deal with Red Tory rival David Orchard, promising not to merge the PC Party with the Alliance. Clark had always encouraged MacKay to keep Orchard and his followers within the PC camp.
Clark's personal popularity grew as once again scandal enveloped Chrétien's Liberal government Clark was widely trusted by Canadians but this in his own words did not translate into more votes and additional seats Citing this Clark announced his intention to step down as PC leader on August 6 2002 at the PC Party's Edmonton policy convention It was expected that a pro-Alliance merger candidate would succeed Clark but Clark was instead replaced by Peter MacKay on May 31 2003 MacKay had signed a controversial deal with Red Tory rival David Orchard promising not to merge the PC Party with the Alliance Clark had always encouraged MacKay to keep Orchard and his followers within the PC camp