TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he wishes Andrew Scheer all the best after the federal Conservative leader announced he is resigning.

Ford is thanking Scheer for his service as head of the official Opposition and federal party leader.

Scheer announced today he is stepping down as Conservative leader as soon as a successor can be chosen, though he will stay on as an MP.

His party lost the election to the Liberals less than two months ago, and since then there have been many calls for him to step down as leader.

The election also saw Scheer take great pains to distance himself from Ford, declining to appear with the premier during the campaign and rarely even uttering his name.

Doug Ford, Andrew Scheer

Ford's own popularity has declined sharply since he won a majority government last year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2019.