Rona Ambrose was appointed as the interim leader of the Conservative Party of Canada after Stephen Harper announced his resignation following the party’s electoral defeat in the federal election. Ambrose, who had served as Minister of Health and Minister of the Environment under Harper’s government, took over the leadership role amidst a challenging time for the party. Her appointment was announced on November 5, 2015, during a national press conference where she emphasized the need for unity and a clear path forward for the Conservatives. Ambrose's leadership was considered crucial as the party began strategizing for future elections, aiming to regroup from a significant loss and redefine its platform. The interim leadership provided her with a platform to address the party's challenges and explore new policies that aligned with Conservative values while appealing to a broader audience.

In her political career, Ambrose was recognized for her articulate communication and effective handling of significant political matters, including health policy and environmental issues. Upon her appointment, she expressed her commitment to ensuring that the Conservative Party remained a viable option for Canadians. Throughout her tenure as interim leader, she worked closely with party members to set the stage for the selection of a new permanent leader, establishing a new sense of purpose for the party. Her tenure was marked by several public communications where she articulated the party's positions and collaborated with other members to bolster party morale and cohesion during a time of transition. Ambrose's leadership style and approach received attention as she navigated through the complexities of party politics following such a decisive electoral result.