Conservatives grapple with internal clashes as they reshape their voter base

Under Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party has shifted from a coalition of older, establishment figures to one dominated by younger, working-class voters, prompting a wave of internal conflict. Former Harper strategist Ken Boessenkool notes that changing demographics naturally bring new policy debates, and recent polls confirm a sharp decline in senior-male support for the Tories. Despite losing that demographic, the party set a historic vote total in the April election.

High-profile disputes—such as Poilievre’s veiled jab at Ontario powerbroker Kory Teneycke, Jamil Jivani’s criticism of Teneycke and Doug Ford, and Michelle Rempel Garner’s remarks on post-election grief—highlight the friction between old-guard and new-wave conservatives. Social media has amplified these clashes, turning private disagreements into public spectacles that risk undermining electoral prospects. Observers warn that unless the party reins in the infighting, it may struggle to translate its refreshed base into future victories.