Justin Trudeau faces caucus revolt by rebel MPs, told to step down by October 28

Additionally, two dozen MPs signed a letter asking Trudeau to make his decision by October 28, though no specific consequences were mentioned if he failed to do so.

With 153 Liberal MPs in parliament, the rebellion has yet to gain widespread traction. While questions about Trudeau’s political future are growing, no clear successor has emerged to challenge his leadership.

Now in his ninth year as prime minister, Trudeau is increasingly unpopular and facing calls from within his party to step aside in order to avoid an embarrassing electoral loss that could see the Liberals fall to a distant third place.

According to the CBC Poll Tracker, the Conservatives hold nearly a 20-point lead over the governing Liberals.

Results from two by-elections over the summer have heightened concerns among lawmakers: the party lost the LaSalle–Émard–Verdun riding, a Liberal stronghold for over 50 years, and previously lost another safe seat in downtown Toronto.

These defeats reflect growing public dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s government, as the cost of living soars, housing shortages persist, and policy missteps, particularly on immigration, erode public support.

Despite this, Trudeau has stated he plans to contest – and win – the next federal election, which must take place before autumn 2025.

After the three-hour meeting on Wednesday, senior cabinet members reaffirmed their support for Trudeau. Immigration Minister Marc Miller, a key ally, expressed confidence that the Liberal leader would contest the next election against Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre.

“This isn’t a code red situation. The prime minister can absolutely handle the truth,” Miller said, adding that he “respects the courage of colleagues who stood up and voiced their concerns directly to Trudeau”.

Other MPs suggested Trudeau could retain the party’s confidence if he and his close advisors made significant adjustments to both their policies and communication strategies.

“The prime minister needs to listen to the frustrations – some of them very legitimate – of caucus members, and make changes moving forward,” said Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith.

Emerging from the caucus meeting, Trudeau said little to reporters other than, “The Liberal party is strong and united.”