Scheer replacing chief of staff David McArthur 'effective immediately'

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheerhas written to staff andcaucus members to say he is parting ways with Chief of Staff David McArthur.

"This decision was mutually agreed upon between myself and Mr. McArthur," Scheersaid in the memo. "It is effective immediately and to ensure a smooth transition he will be acting in an advisory role until the end of June."

Scheer'sdeputy chief of staff, Marc-Andre Leclerc,is stepping into the role on an interim basis.

In the memo,Scheer thanks McArthurfor his service to the Conservative Party and the Official Opposition.

"I would like to acknowledge the role David played in our accomplishments over the last 12 months," Scheer said.

"We have successfully held the Liberal government to account, achieved several victories in the House, and have laid the critical foundation required to regain the voters' trust in 2019."

Another staffing change

McArthur wrote to caucus saying he took the job to help the Conservatives navigate a "period of great transition," adding the party is strong and united.

"I would like to thank the leader for the opportunity to serve Canadians and our entire Conservative family," he wrote."I would also like to thank the Conservative national caucus for all of the faith they placed in me over the past year."

McArthuralso thanked his fellow staffers for their hard work, adding it will be"integral to defeating Justin Trudeau in 2019."

Meanwhile,Scheer is also replacing his director of media relations, Jake Enwright, with Brock Harrison, currently the director of communications and policy for the Alberta Enterprise Group.

Harrison spentfive years overseeing communications strategy and policy development for the Alberta Wildrose Party.

Enwright toldCBC News he informed Scheer about two weeks ago that he was leaving for another position off the Hill.

He said the move has been cleared by the lobbying and ethics commissioners and that his last day will be at the end of the current session of Parliamentno later thanJune 22.

"I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the leader of the Opposition," Enwright said.