F or four years, the popularity of Canada’s governing Liberal Party had been declining. When its leader, Justin Trudeau, announced that he would step down as prime minister on January 6th, the party was as unpopular as it has ever been in its 158-year history.

Mark Carney, the frontrunner to be the next Canadian prime minister, has said his country is "going to stand up to a bully" after US President Donald Trump said he would unveil tariffs of 25% on Canada. Speaking exclusively to BBC Newsnight, 59-year-old Carney said Canada will "match dollar for dollar the US tariffs".