Reversing the Liberals' slide in the polls would take 'somewhat of a miracle,' Liberal MP says

Newfoundland Liberal MP Ken McDonald says he thinks it would take «somewhat of a miracle» to turn the Liberals' electoral fortunes around before the next federal election.

Speaking with CBC's McDonald said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau still enjoys a high amount of support within the Liberal caucus after the party's surprising byelection loss in a Toronto-area riding.

«I think there's a lot of caucus members who are nervous,» McDonald said. «Do I think a large number still stand with the prime minister? Yes I do.»

He also confirmed he won't run again for the Liberals in the riding of Avalon, but added the steep challenge the Liberals are facing isn't why he decided not to run.

McDonald, who was elected in 2015, said his decision not to run again was made «quite some time ago» and his original plan was to serve two terms and then «get out.»

In another interview on, deputy House leader Mark Gerretsen said «the majority of [the Liberal] caucus is behind the prime minister.»

The Conservative upset in the former Liberal stronghold riding of Toronto St-Paul's is leading some MPs to question Trudeau's leadership. One Liberal MP, Wayne Long of New Brunswick, has openly called on Trudeau to resign as Liberal leader.

«For the future of our party and for the good of our country, we need new leadership and a new direction,» Long said in an email to the Liberal caucus that was obtained by CBC News.

McDonald responded to the email with, «Well said!»

When questioned about that response, McDonald did not say he agrees with Long. He added «there has to be a conversation» about the party's leadership.

In January, McDonald told a Radio-Canada reporter that Prime