Conservative MPs Face ‘Harassment’ Amid Floor-Crossing Rumors

UPDATE: Conservative MPs are facing intense “harassment” as rumors swirl about potential floor-crossings to the Liberal Party, according to senior Conservative whip Chris Warkentin. This urgent situation escalates following a series of dramatic events in the House of Commons.

Warkentin claims that media speculation and Liberal efforts to lure Conservative members are unfairly pressuring MPs, especially after the departure of Chris d’Entremont, who switched allegiance to the Liberals last week. “It’s harassment,” Warkentin stated, highlighting the negative impact of persistent inquiries about loyalty within the party.

The political climate intensified after d’Entremont left the Conservative Party, reducing their seats to 143 in the 343-seat House of Commons. D’Entremont’s move comes amid claims that he faced internal pressure regarding his bid for the deputy speaker position. Meanwhile, Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux announced his resignation, with reports indicating he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and was contemplating switching parties.

Warkentin downplayed fears of disunity, insisting that the caucus has rallied together in response to recent challenges. He described a “consolidation of caucus” that he hasn’t seen in years. However, Conservative sources revealed that as many as 10 to 15 MPs are expressing frustration with Pierre Poilievre‘s leadership.

“Liberal insiders are spreading stories,” said Alberta MP Garnett Genuis, defending Poilievre’s leadership amidst swirling rumors. D’Entremont, however, claims his decision was influenced by his support for the recent federal budget and dissatisfaction with Poilievre’s aggressive leadership style.

In a concerning turn, d’Entremont stated he has received a surge of online threats and is now under 24/7 security at his Nova Scotia home. “I’m trying to move on,” he said, emphasizing the growing hostility he’s faced since his departure.

As the Liberals now hold 170 seats in the House, just two short of a majority, the pressure mounts on remaining Conservative MPs. Jeneroux, who remains in the Conservative caucus, has denied any intentions of switching parties, stating there was “no coercion” in his decision to stay.

Meanwhile, Warkentin and former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer are at odds with d’Entremont’s claims about their interactions during his floor-crossing announcement, with both sides offering conflicting accounts of events.

The political drama continues to unfold with implications for the stability of the Conservative Party and the potential reshaping of power dynamics in Canada’s Parliament. Observers are closely watching as tensions rise within the party, and more defections could be on the horizon.

As this situation develops, the Conservative Party’s future and its ability to maintain unity will be pivotal in the coming weeks. The outcome of this internal strife could significantly impact the party’s standing as they navigate a challenging political landscape.