Poilievre vows to rebuild after election loss, Andrew Scheer steps in as Conservative Party interim leader

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to "listen and learn" after his unexpected defeat in the 2025 federal election, where he lost his long-held Carleton seat to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy for the first time in the last two decades.

Poilievre acknowledged the changing political landscape while addressing reporters ahead of the Conservative caucus's first post-election meeting, as he said, "The map has changed dramatically."

He attributed the overall loss to factors such as the collapse of New Democratic Party support and external influences, including US President Donald Trump's trade policies

Poilievre also highlighted the party's achievements in the election, gaining in British Columbia and Ontario, and an increase of 2.3 million votes compared to previous elections.

While Poilievre reflects on the results, the Conservative Party is also taking immediate steps to maintain leadership in the House of Commons.

The Conservative caucus has appointed former party leader Andrew Scheer to represent them in the House of Commons. Scheer, who previously led the party from 2017 to 2020, will serve as the parliamentary leader until Poilievre secures a new seat.

Members also voted to uphold the "Reform Act" provisions, granting them the authority to initiate a leadership review if necessary. However, there is no immediate indication that such a review will occur, as many MPs have expressed continued support for Poilievre's leadership.

Poilievre is expected to run in a forthcoming by-election in the Conservative stronghold, Alberta riding of Battle River, Crowfoot, as the Current MP, Damien Kurek, has offered to resign to facilitate Poilievre's return to Parliament.

Despite securing 41.3 per cent of the vote, Pierre Poilievre’s failure to win the necessary seats in the 2025 election and his loss in Carleton have prompted him to reflect and engage more directly with voters.