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Sources suggest he is concerned at a governance structure that leaves too much power and influence in the hands of the fund’s chair, retired former senator Irving Gerstein, and too little with the board that is meant to monitor its spending.

It’s true that Harper’s resignation was rather abrupt. But friends and former colleagues suggest he is happy to stay on the sidelines of the leadership race.

That contest is beginning to take shape with the formal entry of MacKay and Sarnia-Lambton MP, Marilyn Gladu. Charest’s supporters say he is still leaning toward running. Ambrose’s team say she is still considering her options, even though she is not actively building a leadership team. Poilievre and O’Toole have already assembled the experienced campaign staff needed to raise the $200,000 non-refundable entry fee and garner the signatures of 3,000 members.

As with the 2017 race, much will depend on who can appeal across the factions that make up the Conservative coalition. A unity candidate with broad support across the coalition is likely to pick up second ballot support, as other candidates are dropped under the party’s ranked ballot system.

Charest is under no illusions that this will be challenging for a former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party. His pitch is that it’s winning 24 Sussex that matters — and that he is better positioned than other candidates to beat Justin Trudeau.

Harper may disagree but it would be a major surprise if he comes out and says so publicly.

• Email: jivison@postmedia.com | Twitter: IvisonJ

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