Liberal MPs say Trudeau needs to meet with caucus after surprise byelection loss

A growing number of Liberal MPs say the national caucus needs to meet as soon as possible to discuss the fallout of this week's tough byelection loss in Toronto and that the gathering can't wait until the retreat scheduled for the end of the summer.

One Liberal MP told CBC News that if the caucus waits until that early September meeting to regroup and reset, "we will be writing our obituary."

The stunning loss in the Toronto-St. Paul's byelection on Monday has fuelled conversations inside the Liberal caucus about the future prospects of the party, the tenability of Justin Trudeau's leadership and the effectiveness of the political team that surrounds the prime minister.

Though some ministers have publicly backed the prime minister this week, behind the scenes, caucus members are venting frustrations. In a growing number of group texts and phone calls, MPs are discussing their options after losing their first Toronto riding since forming government in 2015.

"We put everything we had into it and still lost," a second Liberal MP told CBC News. "This is an unmitigated disaster."

The MPs spoke to CBC News on the condition that they not be named.

At least one MP has spoken publicly about a desire to hold a caucus meeting before the House of Commons returns in September.

"It's almost a shame that we're not gathering as a caucus until after the summer, but I think the focus right now is on our community members," Liberal MP Jenica Atwin told CBC News during a media availability Wednesday.

A third Liberal caucus member suggested the loss may have been a good thing because it could force the Prime Minister's Office to recognize that the current mix of strategy and policy isn't working. 

"PMO needed that message," the third MP said. 

Sources told Radio-Canada that officials from Trudeau's team called caucus members Tuesday to get feedback on the party's direction after Liberal candidate Leslie Church's surprise loss to Conservative candidate Don Stewart.

But multiple MPs expressed surprise and disappointment that party leadership had yet to even organize a virtual national caucus meeting. 

"What's the plan?" a fourth Liberal MP told CBC News. "We need a course correction."

Another caucus member told CBC News that MPs are hearing from Liberal supporters that it's time for a leadership change. The same MP said it is ultimately up to Trudeau to decide whether he stays or goes, but added that a new leader could breathe life into the party.