Central Ontario MP Kellie Leitch is the first one to throw her hat into the ring to replace Stephen Harper as leader of the Federal Conservatives.

First elected as Simcoe-Grey MP in 2011, she won’t have to wait long for company on the campaign trail.

Quebec MP Maxime Bernier’s expected to file his leadership application Thursday.

Others considering a bid include MPs Jason Kenney, Michael Chong, Tony Clement, Lisa Raitt and Andrew Scheer.

Rona Ambrose is the interim party leader.

The Conservative leadership vote’s scheduled for May 2017, but party faithful will huddle in Vancouver this spring for a policy convention.