Dump Paul Davis, says email to PC party members

An email sent to members of the Progressive Conservative Party is encouraging them to oust leader Paul Davis at next month's annual general meeting in Gander.

The email was sent to numerous party members and executives Sunday night. A copy was obtained by CBC News.

It blames the party's loss in last fall's election in part on Davis's leadership.

"Davis lost in 2015 the result of a disorganized campaign, lacking message and leadership. This can not happen again. We deserve better and so does Newfoundland and Labrador," the person wrote in the email.

The email is from an account with the name Thomas Martin.

Party president Mark Whiffen said he's not aware of someone with that name involved with the party, and said it's possible it was an account created with a fake name for the purpose of sending out the letter.

The email states the party must start preparing now for the election in 2019 and change is needed.

"Despite the Outrageously Incompetent Actions of the Liberal Party … we are failing in the poll," the email states, using capital letters.

"WE ARE IN TROUBLE WITH THE ELECTORATE AND WE MUST MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN."

Davis welcomes vote

Polling released last week by CRA shows Davis is the most popular choice for premier out of the three party leaders, at 32 per cent.

The letter asks members to request a vote on Davis's leadership at the AGM.

For it to be added to the agenda it has to be moved by a party member, seconded by another and received by the party by September 21.

So far Whiffen said no one has filed a request to have a vote.

Davis said he welcomes a vote on his leadership.

He announced last week despite the party's loss to the Liberals in the last election, he will stay on as leader until the next election, expected in three years.

Unpopular moves made by the Liberals, including higher taxes and spending cuts, present an opportunity for the party win in the next election and for him to return to the premier's office, Davis said.