After winning the Battle River-Crowfoot riding with an overwhelming victory in the federal election which took place on April 28, MP-elect Damien Kurek has announced his intention to resign. 

Kurek announced his decision to allow a by-election to be called for party leader Pierre Poilievre to run in the riding. 

Poilievre, whose riding faced controversy due to having over 90 candidates on the ballot, lost by around 2,000 votes to Liberal newcomer Bruce Fanjoy. 

鈥淚t has been a tremendous honour to serve the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot as their Member of Parliament since 2019," wrote Kurek in the media release announcing the resignation.

"Their support and commitment to the Conservative movement and our mission to bring back hope and prosperity to this country has been unmatched. Which is why, after much discussion with my wife Danielle, and I have decided to step aside for this Parliamentary session to allow our Conservative Party Leader to run here in a by-election."

Kurek further noted that the Conservatives under Poilievre received the highest vote share since 1988. 

"I know we need Pierre fighting in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account," said Kurek. "This is what's best for Canada, and is what's best for Battle River-Crowfoot."

Kurek intends to temporarily step away as an MP and support the party in other ways while Poilievre continues to hold the Minority Liberal Government to account in the House of Commons.

"The people of Battle River鈥擟rowfoot will be represented well by Pierre for the remainder of this Parliamentary session, and I will keep working with our incredible local team to do everything I can to remain the strong voice for you as I support him in the process, and then run again here in Battle River鈥擟rowfoot in the next general election," said Kurek. "We need to build on the momentum that we have with that strong united vision that will restore the Canadian promise."

Kurek was elected with around 80 per cent of the vote in the riding.