Jeremy Broadhurst resigns as Liberal campaign director

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is now without one of his closest advisers at a time when the risk of being forced into an early election has increased.

On Thursday, Jeremy Broadhurst resigned from his role as the Liberal Party of Canada’s national campaign director, just one day after NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh ended the agreement that supported the Liberals on key votes.

In a statement on his departure, first reported by the Toronto Star, Broadhurst explained that after two decades and five national campaigns, the demands of the job have taken a toll on both him and his family.

He noted that the upcoming federal election could be the most important of his career, and the party deserves a campaign director who can dedicate more energy and focus to the role.

Broadhurst has been a key figure in the Liberal Party for nearly 25 years, serving as chief of staff or adviser to several leaders and cabinet ministers. As national director from 2013 to 2015, he helped revamp the party’s data operations, contributing to their victory in the 2015 election.

Following that win, Broadhurst worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and was promoted to campaign director in 2019. He returned to the role ahead of the anticipated 2023 election but stepped down from the position on Thursday.

The next election is required by next fall, but with the breakdown of the Liberal-NDP confidence and supply agreement, there is a greater chance the government could face an early vote in Parliament.

For almost a year, the Liberals have been trailing the Conservatives by double digits in the polls and would likely lose if an election were held now.

In his statement, Broadhurst appeared to criticize the Conservatives, saying Canadians must choose between a party committed to fairness, equality, and justice or one that relies on "simple slogans and cheap shots." He warned against the rise of divisive politics, urging Canadians to consider what kind of political discourse they want before it becomes a greater threat.

Though he is stepping down, Broadhurst reaffirmed his commitment to the Liberal Party and Prime Minister Trudeau, stating it is time for others to step forward.