DTNZ
Daily Telegraph New Zealand
An MP from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has become the first sitting member to publicly call for his resignation following a significant by-election loss. Wayne Long, representing New Brunswick, urged new leadership in an email to party members, emphasizing the need for change for the party’s and the country’s future.
‘After reflection on this week’s defeat in Toronto-St. Paul’s and then seeing the response, I want you to know clearly and directly where I stand,’ Long wrote in an email sent to his caucus colleagues on Friday afternoon and obtained by the National Post.
‘For the future of our party and for the good of our country we need new leadership and a new direction.’
Long, who is not running for re-election, said the Liberals need to listen to what voters are saying.
‘The voters have spoken loud and clear. They want change. I agree.’
The Liberals lost the Toronto-St. Paul’s seat they had held since 1993.
Long, who has served as an MP since 2015 and previously announced he would not seek re-election, reflects a growing discontent within the ruling Liberal party. His call was echoed by Newfoundland MP Ken McDonald and former Liberal figures like Catherine McKenna and Christy Clark, who stressed the need for fresh ideas and leadership.
Despite the setback and a recent poll showing 68 per cent of Canadians think he should step down, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to lead the Liberals into the next election, scheduled for October 20, 2025.
This article was originally published at the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
