I want to lead the Progressive Conservative Party, a party that will promote true conservative values and principles. I can tell you right now, I am not the merger candidate. I am not interested in institutional marriages with other parties.

MacKay announced on January 13 2004 that he would not run for the leadership of the new Conservative Party. Afshin-Jam holds degrees in international relations and political science. In June several Clark-appointed personnel were let go from the party's main office and MacKay appointed new experienced staff whose loyalties were more closely linked to himself and former Prime Minister and PC Party leader Brian Mulroney.

MacKay was the final leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada (PC Party). He is the Member of Parliament for Central Nova and currently serves as Minister of National Defence in the Cabinet of Canada.