OTTAWA — Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Liberal caucus should not hold a secret ballot on Justin Trudeau’s leadership of the party.

Last week, 24 members of the caucus signed on to a letter calling on the prime minister to step down, but the next day Trudeau said firmly that he will lead his party into the next election.

Some of the dissenters are now calling for Liberal MPs to vote in a secret ballot on whether Trudeau should remain leader.

Freeland says leaders are not chosen by secret ballot in the Liberal party.

Several other cabinet ministers expressed their support for the prime minister today, urging other elected Liberals to voice their concerns in the privacy of caucus meetings.

Trudeau’s leadership has come into question as the Liberals continue to trail the Conservatives in public opinion polls.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2024.

Laura Osman, The Canadian Press