Top Poilievre adviser targets former CPC leader for wishing departing Liberal well
Several prominent Conservatives in Canada are coming to the defense of Jenni Byrne, an adviser to Pierre Poilievre, for her recent criticism of former party leader Erin O’Toole on social media.
On Sunday, O’Toole publicly wished Liberal MP Anita Anand well after she announced that she would not be running in the next federal election. O’Toole praised Anand’s dedication to National Defence during her time as minister and wished her the best in her future endeavors.
Shortly after O’Toole’s post, Byrne reposted his words and added her own commentary, suggesting that O’Toole’s support for diversity, equity, and inclusion policies may have contributed to his downfall as party leader. This sparked a flurry of responses, with some criticizing Byrne for her remarks.
Despite the backlash, several Conservatives have come forward to defend Byrne. British Columbia MP Todd Doherty compared O’Toole to former BC Premier Christy Clark, implying that O’Toole was not a true Conservative. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman praised Byrne as the best political organizer in the business and credited her advice for causing upheaval within the Liberal government.
Others, such as former Poilievre spokesperson Anthony Koch, argued that Conservatives are often held to a double standard when it comes to political discourse. They pointed out that Liberals are often able to make inflammatory remarks without facing the same level of criticism.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Byrne’s comments highlights the ongoing tensions within the Conservative Party and the challenges of navigating political discourse in an increasingly polarized landscape. Despite the criticism, Byrne’s defenders remain steadfast in their support of her and her contributions to the party’s strategy under Poilievre’s leadership.
