As the Liberal caucus gathers in Ottawa, a Newfoundland MP is backing away from comments he made earlier this week calling for a review of Justin Trudeau’s leadership. 

Avalon MP Ken McDonald told CBC News he thinks it’s time for party members to “clear the air” and have a conversation about the direction of the party. 

But as he prepares to meet with his colleagues today, McDonald is climbing down from those comments. 

In a statement, he says he did not mean to call for a leadership review and continues to support Trudeau because he has the best interests of Canadians at heart. 

Liberal MPs are gathering to brainstorm party strategies before the House of Commons resumes sitting on Monday.

Trudeau is sure to hear more complaints from his caucus as Liberals continue to trail Conservatives by a significant margin in polls.