Poilievre’s Leadership Win Could Signal Change for Social Conservative Wing of Party

Candidate Leslyn Lewis speaks at the Conservative Party of Canada English leadership debate in Edmonton, Alta., on May 11, 2022. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Pierre Poilievre’s crushing win to become leader of the Conservative Party of Canada raises questions about the status and power of the party’s social conservatives.

That well-mobilized part of the party’s base has played an important role in helping previous leaders achieve power, with some calling them “kingmakers.”