OTTAWA — Manitoba Conservative Candice Bergen is joining the race for interim leadership of the Conservative Party.

Bergen, who served in two junior cabinet posts in previous Conservative governments, was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008 and won re-election last week.  Most recently, Candice was appointed Minister of State for Social Development having previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety from May 2011 to July 2013. 

She's joining a field of contenders that include Erin O'Toole, Rob Nicholson and Diane Finley.

Other MPs believed to be considering a run are Denis Lebel and Michelle Rempel.

The Conservatives are expected to choose their interim leader at their first post-election caucus meeting on Nov. 5.

Stephen Harper, who stepped down as party leader after losing the election, is staying on as an MP but isn't expected to be present in caucus for the vote.

The Canadian Press