Conservative MPs express doubt over Poilievre's leadership after Penticton caucus retreat

Fifteen of 17 Conservative MPs surveyed by CTV News are questioning Pierre Poilievre's leadership after a two-day caucus retreat in Penticton, B.C., concluded Thursday, with only 2 of those MPs agreeing with recent polling showing Prime Minister Mark Carney has "no obvious challenger" among Conservative politicians.

Poilievre addressed the caucus Wednesday in remarks open to media, then departed Thursday afternoon via RCMP SUV from a back door of the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. He took no questions from media about the retreat or how it went. When CTV News asked the party's press secretary why they appeared to be hiding Poilievre, the secretary responded: "I don't know what you're talking about, I'm just waiting here with you guys," then laughed and walked away before confirming Poilievre had left.

A Nanos Research poll found that three in five Canadians want someone other than Poilievre to lead the Conservative Party for the next election, marking a fourteen-point increase since the previous wave of polling.

Among the MPs surveyed, five cited Ontario as particularly problematic for Conservatives, while one Atlantic MP said the party's support in the region has "cratered." That Atlantic MP reported constituents making their disdain for Poilievre known when party members knock on doors. One Western MP stated Poilievre should step aside, saying: "the game has changed. He needs to read the room. Many MPs are worried about losing their seats, including MPs in Western Canada."

Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman said party morale is poor. "This is not the position that we want to be in at this juncture," Lantsman said. When asked whether changes are planned to avoid the turmoil currently engulfing the B.C. Conservatives, Lantsman said yes, adding the changes would be heard "throughout the day" and seen "when we come back," though her remarks cut off before she elaborated.

Poilievre's strongest protection against reported unrest comes from his recent leadership performance at the party's convention, though that majority now appears insufficient to settle internal doubts.