Former immigration minister Chris Alexander’s expected to enter the race to replace Stephen Harper as leader of the federal Conservatives.

A source says the 48-year-old former ambassador to Afghanistan is getting the necessary signatures and financial support and putting together a team for a run at the top Tory job.

Right now there are five registered hopefuls.

Alexander was considered a rising star when he was elected in the riding of Ajax-Pickering in 2011.

However he got embroiled in controversy during last year’s election amid questions about the government’s handling of the Syrian refugee crisis.

Alexander was also criticized for promising to create a tip line for ”barbaric cultural practices.”

He lost to Liberal Mark Holland in the newly created riding of Ajax.