Haldimand-Norfolk MP Diane Finley has become the first member of the depleted Conservative caucus to put her name forward to temporarily lead the party in the House of Commons.

The 58-year-old outgoing cabinet minister says she has the experience to lead the Conservatives into opposition and lay the groundwork for a permanent leader to be chosen later.

Finley won her fifth election on Monday — the same night Prime Minister Stephen Harper told party executives he was stepping down immediately, although he’ll remain an MP.

Finley was first elected in 2004.

The first woman in Canadian history to serve as leader of the official Opposition was Deborah Grey as interim leader of the Canadian Alliance in 2000.