Poilievre recently experimented with a more temperate public persona, but those close to him say he became frustrated when there was no immediate uptick in the polls. Most party insiders expect Poilievre to remain in his job, despite April’s disastrous by-election results that saw the Conservatives lose an average of 12 percentage points, compared to the last election. A similar 12-point dip in the next vote would see more than 50 members of the current caucus lose their seats, which must concentrate minds. The quiescence of his MPs thus far is largely a function of the lack of alternatives. Nobody in the caucus appears ready to challenge Poilievre, and the party’s former grandees have all demurred.
Gross Kenney or more dynastic politics. UCP needs a federal party.Former Alberta premier and federal Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney is the most widely touted as a potential leader, but a source close to him said that is unlikely. He is said to be enjoying private life after 25 years in electoral politics.
However, there is another name running up and down the corridors of the Ottawa Westin Hotel, which is hosting the Canada Strong and Free conference: Mark Mulroney.
The second son of former prime minister Brian Mulroney was interested in running for the top job in 2019, after Andrew Scheer resigned, but ultimately told me then: “It is not my time”.
Seven years later, it’s possible he could be having a change of heart. The debonair CIBC investment banker remains a close confidante of Poilievre, and Mulroney’s wife Vanessa has advised the Conservative leader’s wife, Anaida.
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