How did Stephen Harper become leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Stephen Harper became the leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2002 after an open revolt within the party led to the replacement of its sitting leader, Stockwell Day.1

Following the 2000 federal election, public support for the Canadian Alliance dropped sharply, which prompted the internal challenge against Day. Day subsequently stepped down and called for a leadership race, which Harper won. Following his victory, Harper returned to Parliament later that year as the member for the Calgary Southwest riding and assumed the role of leader of the opposition.123