Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux Denies Coercion in Resignation
Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux announced on Thursday that he is resigning from the House of Commons, dispelling rumors that he intended to join the Liberals. Throughout the week, speculation grew that the Alberta MP was considering crossing the floor, and some Conservative sources indicated he faced pressure to remain within the party.
A senior Liberal source confirmed that Jeneroux met with Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this week. However, Jeneroux firmly rejected any suggestion that coercion influenced his choice to leave federal politics.
“I want to be clear that there was no coercion involved in my decision to resign. I consider my colleagues in the Conservative Party very close friends, and I will miss them dearly,”
Jeneroux's resignation marks the second departure from the Conservative caucus this week, following Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont’s defection to the Liberals on Tuesday. These moves are setbacks for Pierre Poilievre's leadership and afford the minority Liberal government greater ease in passing legislation, including the budget introduced this week.
Jeneroux’s Statement and Aftermath
In his resignation announcement, Jeneroux made only a brief mention of Poilievre. Later, a second statement was released via official party channels to reporters, revealing that Jeneroux had a conversation with the Conservative leader after his resignation. He emphasized that his decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family.
“It was a desire to spend time with family that motivated my decision to call it quits.”
This resignation adds pressure on the Conservative Party and shifts the political dynamics in the minority Parliament.
Summary: Matt Jeneroux formally resigns from Parliament, denying coercion, citing family reasons, and marking a notable setback for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre amid shifting political tides.