For the first time in Conservative Party history, a member has launched a petition because he feels there should be a review of Erin O’Toole’s leadership after the election loss.

Bert Chen says he’s doing so as a member of the party, not as a member of the 21-member national council, which is based on the proportion of seats in the Commons.

Chen’s from Ontario which has four seats.

”Erin O’Toole has BETRAYED the principles that the Conservative Party is founded on,” states the online petition.

”Erin O’Toole has BROKEN THE TRUST of the members of the Conservative Party.  Erin O’Toole’s campaign in the 2021 Federal Election FAILED in electing enough Conservative MPs to form a government.  We, the undersigned, request the National Council of the Conservative Party of Canada commence a referendum to Recall Erin O’Toole as the Leader of the Conservative Party.”

As of 2pm Wednesday, 921 have signed.

Chen says some other council members support his petition but does not name them nor say how many.

”My feelings about the results of the election are not in isolation,” adds Chen.

The party president questions it’s validity though.

Rob Batherson says at the first national convention after an election where the Conservatives don’t win, the party constitution stipulates there is a vote to determine if a leadership selection process will take place.

He adds at no time is an online petition, which could be influenced by members of other parties, part of that process.