Up to 40 Conservative MPs are growing increasingly anxious about their re-election prospects under Pierre Poilievre’s leadership, with internal party tensions boiling over as they face a resurgent Liberal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Two federal Conservative sources confirmed the depth of this unease, highlighting a caucus grappling with low morale and fears of electoral wipeout in the next election.
The latest blow came on Wednesday with the defection of Marilyn Gladu, a four-time MP from Ontario’s Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong riding, who crossed the floor to join the Liberals, pushing their seat count to 171—just one shy of a majority in the House of Commons. Gladu, a prominent social conservative who previously chaired the Status of Women committee, cited the need for collaborative leadership amid economic uncertainty and praised Carney as a global figure capable of steering Canada through challenges like unjustified American tariffs. Her move marks the fourth Conservative defection in recent months, following Nova Scotia’s Chris d’Entremont, Toronto’s Michael Ma, and Edmonton’s Matt Jeneroux.
Inside the Conservative ranks, dissatisfaction festers. One caucus source described a complete lack of excitement or morale, pointing to Poilievre’s inability to pivot strategy or broaden the party’s appeal. Efforts like appearances on podcasts hosted by British host Steven Bartlett and American podcaster Joe Rogan failed to resonate with key demographics like senior voters, who reportedly favor Carney. Another insider bluntly stated, “Pierre’s got to go,” underscoring a desperate push for self-preservation among MPs who see their leader as a liability.
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Poilievre, who secured 87% support in a leadership review vote two months ago, fired back on social media, accusing Carney of orchestrating an undemocratic power grab through backroom deals. He also challenged Gladu to honor her past stance that floor-crossers should face voters in a byelection, arguing her constituents voted for a Conservative vision, not a Liberal one.
Adding to the turmoil, unconfirmed reports suggest Poilievre may resign if Carney achieves a majority, a threshold that could be crossed as early as April 13, with byelections in Toronto’s University–Rosedale, Scarborough Southwest, and Quebec’s Terrebonne. The Liberals are favored to win the Toronto ridings, while Terrebonne remains a toss-up after a narrow Liberal victory was annulled last year.
READ: Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu Defects to Liberals, Boosting Carney’s Majority Hopes
Further pressure mounts with the resignation of Poilievre’s communications director, Katy Merrifield, effective April 8, 2026, replaced by Micah Green. With up to 10 more MPs reportedly in talks to defect to the Liberals, the Conservative Party’s seat count, now at 140, could dwindle further. Party insiders also note Poilievre’s recent request for critic MPs to justify their roles alienated key members, while polling data pegs him as a 15-point drag on the party’s numbers.
Gladu’s defection, announced alongside Carney in the Prime Minister’s Office, stunned many given her right-wing credentials and past endorsement of Poilievre in the 2022 leadership race. Carney welcomed her expertise as a chemical engineer and business leader, signaling her role in shaping policy on critical issues.
READ: Up to 10 MPs in Talks to Cross Floor to Liberals, Bolstering Carney’s Majority Push
As the Liberals gather for a policy convention in Montreal this week, the Conservative Party faces a potential tipping point. With Carney’s seat count poised to hit 173 for a comfortable majority post-byelections, Poilievre’s reported plan to step down could unfold within days if the April 13 results tip the balance.
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