The Joël Lightbound crisis in the Liberal Party
Paul Wells: The MP’s astonishing criticism of Liberal policy on COVID restrictions is the most serious threat to Trudeau’s leadership since Jane Philpott quit the federal cabinet
Ottawa
Justin Trudeau returns to Parliament with a hard stance against protests
Politics Insider for Feb. 8: Candice Bergen criticizes Trudeau; the trucker horns fall silent; Stephen Poloz’s affection for Star Trek
Ottawa mayor declares a state of emergency
Politics Insider for Feb. 7: The city of Ottawa moves against the occupying protestor; Pierre Poilievre makes a big announcement; the Conservatives stare down a pivotal choice
Who is Candice Bergen, the interim Conservative leader?
She’s a long time Parliamentarian (with a famous name) and well liked in an increasingly divided party
Candice Bergen’s leadership is already controversial
Politics Insider for Feb. 4: The Ottawa protest is surprisingly popular; Ottawa police endure more criticism; the Conservatives prepare for an imminent leadership race
Exit Erin O’Toole, stage right
Politics Insider for Feb. 3: Erin O’Toole is ousted; Pierre Poilievre is the heir apparent; Ottawa police consider deploying the military against truckers
O’Toole is out. Meet the new new new new Conservatives
Paul Wells: What lessons does Erin O’Toole offer for the Conservatives? The numbers are against them and the firewall against U.S. conservatism has collapsed.
Erin O’Toole is in a desperate struggle to save his leadership
Politics Insider for Feb. 2: Erin O’Toole tries to whip up votes; Ottawa can’t keep up with the protests; Alberta RCMP moves in on a blockade
The Conservative revolt has begun
Politics Insider for Feb. 1: Erin O’Toole’s caucus organizes against him; the trucker convoy remains in place; Ottawa contradicts itself on Ukraine
Erin O’Toole and the Multiverse of Madness
Paul Wells: Historically, when Conservatives lose they start to consider radical shifts. The question facing O’Toole was always whether he could hold the party together.