Canada: key Conservative says party risks takeover by far-right ‘lunatics’

Jason Kenney warns a far-right element could seize control in the coming weeks as United Conservatives hold leadership review

Alberta's premier has called fellow Conservatives lunatics" who are trying to take over the asylum" as a populist mutiny in his party foreshadows a bitter fight for the future of Canada's Conservative movement.

In a leaked recording of a meeting with caucus staff on Tuesday, Premier Jason Kenney warned a far-right element - skeptical of coronavirus measures and wedded to conspiracy theories - could seize control of the party in the coming weeks as the United Conservatives hold a leadership review.