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(Updated) PC MPP Christine Elliott has become the first to announce she’s running to become leader of the Progressive Conservatives.

Some people had pegged Elliot as the next leader of the PC party before the June 12 election. She ran for leadership back in 2009, is the current deputy leader, and has a reputation that might bring the party a bit more to the centre of the political spectrum.

Elliot made the announcement outside Queen’s Park with the support of seven members of the PC caucus. The Whitby-Oshawa MPP easily won re-election on June 12, a feat at odds with the party that lost nine seats. Elliot says they need to rebuild the party but was vague on details. She did suggest that the previous leadership was not as inclusive as it could have been.

“I think that it’s really important to actively listen to what people are saying. I think that’s something that has been underestimated, I would say. I think that there are some people that feel they were left out. And I think that that’s something I don’t want to do. I want to make sure that I listen to all of the voices at the table,” said Elliot.

Elliot is known for having a quiet competence around Queen’s Park, and for being a little more moderate than Tim Hudak. She is also the widow of former federal finance minister Jim Flaherty who died back in April. Today she alluded to that experience when asked if she is too nice to lead.

“I’m a lot tougher than people think. I think the experience that I’ve had in the last few months demonstrates that, and I think it’s really a matter of style over substance. I do have a different style than others. That doesn’t mean i’m not tough. I’m certainly ready to take on this challenge and I am ready to lead.”

There are a number of other names being tossed around as possible contenders for the PC leadership. There is speculation that Vic Fedeli, the former mayor of North Bay and PC finance critic, will run. The 57-year-old was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2011.

Lisa MacLeod is also expected to take a run at the PC leadership. MacLeod is known as an outspoken conservative, and is being sued by premier Kathleen Wynne for suggesting she ordered the destruction of gas plant documents.

Federal transport minister Lisa Raitt is also reportedly considering running for the leadership. The 46-year-old is the former president and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.

There has also been speculation that Tony Clement, the federal treasury board president, may try for the position. Clement ran for leader of the federal Conservatives in 2003 but lost to Stephen Harper.

PC leader Tim Hudak is set to step down on July 2. There has been no announcement as to when the next leader will be chosen.