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Conservative MP and potential leadership candidate Tony Clement suggests the unity of the Tory caucus depends on interim leader Rona Ambrose sticking to her “solemn vow” not to run for the permanent job, as some Tory MPs look to amend the party’s constitution to allow her candidacy.

Ambrose maintains she won’t look to run for the permanent leadership – a position that was reinforced Monday by her spokesman.

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Whether or not Ambrose should be able to run for the Conservative party crown is emerging as a divisive issue in the caucus, with a number of Tory MPs launching a “Draft Rona Ambrose” campaign, while others insist the party should not allow her to enter the race.

Clement, one of Ambrose’s top lieutenants in the House of Commons who’s considering running for the party reins, said Monday the interim leader’s credibility and caucus harmony rests on her remaining true to her word.

I think Rona Ambrose has been very clear, and she made a solemn vow prior to running for the interim leadership that she would not run for the leadership

“I think Rona Ambrose has been very clear, and she made a solemn vow prior to running for the interim leadership that she would not run for the leadership,” Clement told reporters Monday in Ottawa.