Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed strong confidence in leading his party into the upcoming election. In an exclusive interview on “Rosemary Barton Live,” Poilievre stated his belief that both January and the next election will be successful for the party.
A mandatory leadership review awaits Poilievre in January, where his caucus will decide on his future as leader. As per the party’s constitution, members must vote on a leader’s continuation if they do not step down after an election defeat. This will be the first test of Poilievre’s leadership since the Conservatives’ loss in the recent federal election, where Poilievre also lost his long-held Ottawa seat.
Despite the setback, the Conservatives gained 24 new seats and secured 42 percent of the total votes, a significant achievement in Canadian elections. Poilievre made a comeback by winning a by-election in the Alberta riding Battle River-Crowfoot in August.
Some Conservative MPs raised concerns about Poilievre’s leadership after he criticized RCMP leadership as ‘despicable.’ Poilievre emphasized that he understands the key to party support lies in doing a good job, a principle he believes will garner support from both the party and the nation.
Reflecting on past leaders, Poilievre acknowledged the rarity of leaders staying on after election losses, citing Stephen Harper in 2005 as the last Conservative leader to do so. Erin O’Toole and Andrew Scheer, the two most recent leaders, were removed from their positions following election defeats in 2021 and 2019, respectively. When questioned about a potential second chance from the party, Poilievre expressed optimism in receiving one.
The full interview with Poilievre will be broadcast on “Rosemary Barton Live” on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET.
