If Yukon MP Larry Bagnell is looking to return to Team Trudeau and run in next year’s federal election, he now knows one of the candidates he’d be officially be up against: Conservative Jonas Smith.

That became known after Smith was acclaimed as the Tories’ candidate in the Yukon come 2019’s decision day, set for Oct. 21.

One of Smith’s rumoured contestants had been Ryan Leef, who assumed Ottawa duties and served as MP during Stephen Harper’s 2011-15 government.

Leef told the Star late last month he would not be running for any party, ruling out any formal involvement in the 2019 campaign – including for his close ally and one-time Tory Maxime Bernier.

Bernier left the federal Tories in late August to start his own party, now deemed the People’s Party of Canada.

Meanwhile, a Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) spokesperson confirmed to the Star Monday afternoon that Smith, 44, was the only candidate registered as of last Thursday afternoon’s deadline.

A Tory release announcing Smith as the party’s candidate confirmed this, with leader Andrew Scheer congratulating him.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who reached out and provided me with invaluable comments and insights over the past weeks and of course, for the overwhelming support I received,” said Smith.

“I now look forward to connecting with Yukoners across the territory over the coming months to listen to their concerns and their priorities, so that together we may craft solutions for a Yukon that puts people before government. 

“I will work tirelessly every day to demonstrate to Yukoners how (party leader) Andrew Scheer’s leadership is focused on helping Yukoners, and all Canadians, with lower taxes, controlled government spending and an economic plan that creates prosperity and opportunity for everyone,” Smith added in the release.

While he went uncontested for the Conservative nomination, Smith may be set to tee off against veteran Bagnell.

After first being elected in 2000, Bagnell served until 2011, when he was ousted by Leef.

The Tory faithful’s reign lasted four years, with Bagnell assuming office again in the 2015 election under now-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, winning more than half of the votes.

In 2015, Leef came in a distant second with 24 per cent of the votes, just ahead of the NDP, which drew 19 per cent, and the Greens, with just under three per cent of the vote.

The Conservatives now have more than 130 candidates nominated.

As Smith begins his campaigning, Bagnell is still mulling on whether to make another run.

As for Bagnell’s potential candidacy in 2019, the Liberal MP told the Star Tuesday, “I have not made any final decision, but it is very likely.

“The longer you are here, the more you can deliver ... there is a very good chance (of another candidacy). I just have to finalize my decision, and I will probably do that relatively soon.”

No one has publicly stepped forward for the NDP nor the Green Party.