Cambridge's Jim Karahalios calls disqualification from Conservative leadership 'unlawful'

Cambridge's Jim Karahalios says his disqualification from the federal Conservative leadership race is "unlawful" and he blames "a small group of anonymous people who did not have the authority."

The party said a complaint was received about Karahalios on March 9, "in relation to statements made by Mr. Karahalios through email, mail and social media earlier in the month."

Karahalios received word last week that he had been disqualified.

Karahalios appealed the decision to the party's dispute resolution appeals committee of the leadership election organizing committee. The appeals committee upheld the decision by the party's chief returning officer.

The exact reasons for Karahalios' disqualification were not released.

Karahalios says the move goes against the National Council's leadership election rules.

In an email to supporters, which Karahalios' campaign staff sent to CBC News, Karahalios says he reached the required 3,000 signatures and $300,000, and urged supporters to email party leadership.