Shakeup in the OLO

 

Peter Donolo, left, former communications director for Jean Chrétien, speaks with the then-prime minister in this 1999 file photo. (Tom Hanson/Canadian Press)

Looks like the federal Liberals are heading for another shakeup.

 

CBC News has learned that big changes are about to take place in Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff's inner circle.

 

Several sources have told CBC News that veteran political strategist Peter Donolo has agreed to take over as the Opposition Leader's chief of staff. (Note: This news has since been confirmed by Ignatieff.)

 

Donolo served as the communications director for former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and is expected to bring some much-needed experience and political heft to the table. Ian Davey, the current chief of staff and longtime Ignatieff supporter, has been criticized by many in the party as lacking in political experience and political street smarts. Donolo will be leaving his post at The Strategic Counsel, a Toronto polling firm, in order to resume working on Parliament Hill.

 

"Peter will be given carte blanche to clean house and do whatever he needs to do," said one source who asked not to be identified. 

 

Another source told CBC News the next Director of Communications will be a francophone, and noted the lingering sting of comments made by Denis Coderre, Ignatieff's former Quebec Lieutentant, who resigned angrily and publicly last month.

 

Coderre resigned when Ignatieff didn't back his choice of candidate in the Montreal riding of Outremont. Ignatieff gave the nod to former cabinet minister Martin Cauchon.

 

Coderre accused Ignatieff of having too many Toronto advisors who didn't give him a balanced view of the country.

 

Falling poll numbers in recent months appear to have prompted the shake-up. Ignatieff has struggled to solidify his image in the public mind against a barrage of negative attacks from a Conservative party flush with cash.

 

It's not yet clear who will be shuffled but two sources said they expect that Director of Communications Jill Fairbrother will be moved, to make way for a francophone.

 

One Liberal source told CBC News that several members of the inner circle of former Prime Minister Paul Martin have also been contacted about possibly joining the leader's office or acting in advisory role.

 

"I think they've always kept their circle too small," the source said.

 

The source pointed to earlier attempts to woo former Privcy Council Clerk Alex Himmelfarb to act as an advisor within the leader's office. The move was squelched by those inside the office who didn't want to give up control, the source said.

 

The idea is clearly to build a bigger tent within a party that has been torn apart by leadership rivalries and warring factions in the past.

 

Liberal MPs reached Tuesday said they knew nothing of the shakeup. But they responded positively to the notion of Donolo at the helm.

 

"Change is good for the party," said Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale.

 

Liberal finance critic John McCallum said Donolo would be an experienced hand in the leader's office.

 

"I think it will be good for the party."

UPDATE: On Tuesday night, Ignatieff sent out the following statement to confirm Donolo's appointment:

"I am pleased to announce the arrival of Peter Donolo, who has accepted the role of chief of staff.  Mr. Donolo brings a wealth of experience to this role through his long service as the director of communications for prime minister Jean Chrétien and in his leading role at the strategic counsel.

"Ian Davey has my gratitude for his enormous service in building this OLO team, and I am grateful for his continuing counsel. I know that we are a stronger Liberal Party because of his contribution and leadership."