Veteran Conservative politician Candice Bergen says she will not be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

The MP for Portage-Lisgar admits it's an issue she gave serious thought to, but in the end, decided against it.

"I mulled it over and thought about some of the different requirements and where my strength lies and I really believe at this time I can best serve the party, my caucus and my constituents by remaining on as house leader, which means I won't be running for leader of the party."

Bergen said, because of her position as party house leader, she will not be endorsing any one candidate during this leadership race.

"As house leader I am going to remain neutral. I make a lot of decisions in caucus, a lot of decisions around what we do that could help or hurt potential candidates and so I've made a decision...to remain neutral."

Bergen was first elected to office as MP for Portage-Lisgar in 2008 and was appointed to the cabinet as Minister of State under the Stephen Harper government in 2013.

She has acted as an advisor to several Members of Parliament, and served as chief organizer for the Conservative Party in Manitoba.