Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new prime minister by the country’s governing party amid a trade war with the United States.
Mr Carney succeeded former PM Justin Trudeau on Sunday as both Liberal Party chief and head of the country’s government with 85.9 per cent of the vote.
He beat former finance minister Chrystia Freeland who came in second place in a contest in which just over 150,000 party members voted.
The 59-year-old will have to negotiate with US President Donald Trump as he threatens additional tariffs that could cripple Canada’s economy.
Mr Trudeau announced in January that he would step down after more than nine years in power as his approval rating plummeted, forcing the ruling Liberal Party to run a quick contest to replace him.
Mr Carney has said his experience as the first person to serve as the governor of two central banks – Canada and England – meant he was the best candidate to deal with Mr Trump.
He said he supported dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs against the United States and a coordinated strategy to boost investment. He has repeatedly complained that Canada’s growth under Trudeau was not good enough.
Mr Carney could legally serve as prime minister without a seat in the House of Commons but tradition dictates he should seek to win one as soon as possible.
He will also have to decide when to call a general election – which must be held on or before 20 October of this year.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
