Ontario’s Conservative premier is ruling out any federal leadership aspirations, distancing himself from turmoil in Pierre Poilievre’s national campaign.
Doug Ford claimed he has no desire to replace the embattled federal Conservative leader, declaring his provincial role “the greatest job in the world” during a press conference on trade relations.
The issue follows Ford publicly defending his former strategist Kory Teneycke, who warned that federal Conservatives face defeat against Mark Carney’s Liberals next month, calling Poilievre’s campaign “delusional” and accusing them of “campaign malpractice” after they lost a 20-point lead against the Liberals.
Read: Doug Ford Defends Former Campaign Manager’s Critique of Poilievre Strategy
Teneycke told an Empire Club audience that Poilievre’s “Canada First for a Change” message echoes US President Donald Trump’s rhetoric. He also cited the federal leader’s “basic unlikability” as hampering campaign adjustments.
Ford supported his adviser’s assessment, suggesting last week that the federal campaign would be stronger under different management. The premier maintains that debate performances could still shift electoral dynamics before the April 28 vote.
Provincial polling data indicates Conservatives trail Liberals by 15 points across Ontario — figures Ford authorized for release despite potential damage to his federal counterparts. While he has firmly affirmed his party loyalty and said he was born Conservative, Ford has also highlighted bipartisan achievements with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Prime Minister Carney.
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