Pierre Poilievre, who has led the Conservative Party of Canada since 2022, may soon face a formal leadership review following his high-profile defeat in the Carleton riding during the 2025 federal election. Although the Conservatives made modest gains—rising from 120 to 144 seats—they ultimately failed to unseat the Liberal government, now led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who formed a minority government.
Poilievre’s personal loss to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy was a historic setback, marking one of the few times in Canadian federal politics that a party leader lost their own seat while still commanding national leadership.
In the wake of this outcome, internal party discussions are intensifying. The Conservative National Council is reportedly weighing the option of a leadership review, a standard party process that could be triggered as early as March 2026. According to party rules, members can vote on whether the current leader should remain, especially following an election defeat or resignation from Parliament.
Although Poilievre continues to serve as the overall party leader, former leader Andrew Scheer has temporarily taken over as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. Poilievre is widely expected to seek a swift return to Parliament via a by-election in the safe Conservative riding of Battle River—Crowfoot in Alberta.
Poilievre’s tenure as leader has been marked by bold and often polarizing policy stances, including pledges to repeal the carbon tax, defund the CBC, audit the Bank of Canada, and accelerate housing development through federal incentives. While these messages resonated with the party’s base, his combative style, use of U.S.-inspired political tactics, and refusal to obtain a national security clearance have alienated some within and outside the party.
Despite the party’s improved seat count, critics within the Conservative fold argue that Poilievre’s approach may have limited the party’s broader appeal, especially in key suburban and urban ridings. Supporters, however, remain convinced that he offers the best hope for securing a future majority government, provided he can rebuild momentum and re-enter the House quickly.
The coming months are likely to prove critical. With a leadership review potentially on the horizon, the Conservative Party must now decide whether to rally behind Poilievre or begin the search for a new path forward.