OTTAWA - The list of those interested in running for leadership of the Conservative Party continues to grow as party members emerge from summer holiday and begin campaigning in earnest.

Here's a look at the field of contenders, so far.

Handed in the paperwork:

Kellie Leitch. The pediatric orthopedic surgeon first elected as an MP in 2011 was the first to register.

Maxime Bernier. The Quebec MP filed his papers a few days after Leitch and has already outlined several key policy positions.

Michael Chong. The Ontario MP is a longtime champion of democratic reform.

Tony Clement. Also from Ontario, the former cabinet minister lost to Stephen Harper for leadership of the party in 2004 and is trying again.

Still filling out forms:

Deepak Obhrai. One of the longest serving members of the current Conservative parliamentary caucus told his colleagues earlier this summer he's going to mount a bid.

Brad Trost. First declared his interest in running after the party dropped a policy widely seen as opposing gay marriage in May.

Andrew Saxton. The defeated MP is exploring a bid based on a desire to ensure a candidate from B.C., where he and his family have long lived.

Pierre Lemieux. Also defeated in the last election, Lemieux sent an email to supporters this week saying he's trying to raise the funds to enter the race to champion socially conservative values.

Adrienne Snow. A communications consultant, Snow was previously involved in several policy think-tanks.

Andrew Scheer. The former Speaker of the House of Commons is expected to jump in by the time Tory caucus meets in September.

Lisa Raitt. Sources close to the former cabinet minister and current MP say to expect an announcement in September that she too is entering the race.

Thinking about it:

Erin O'Toole. After saying no to the idea for months, the Ontario MP and former veterans affairs minister is now contemplating a run after some party pressure.

Peter MacKay. The former cabinet minister from Nova Scotia now working as a lawyer in Toronto has long been considering a run.

Steven Blaney. The Quebec MP continues to consult colleagues about whether he should mount a bid.

Kevin O'Leary. The popular TV personality and businessman first mused about running for the leadership earlier this year.

Dan Lindsay. The former president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba formed a committee in the spring to explore a possible campaign.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2016