An eminently sociable being, Jean Charest is also a loner. He relies on a small circle, and reaches beyond it only out of strict necessity. All others, whether MPs, organizers or party workers, sometimes feel as though they're only cannon fodder. Supporters expect all the more from Charest because in public, he gives an impression of personal warmth. But the leader doesn't care.
Party members are always loyal when the polls are encouraging.
But true loyalty is measured when things go badly. And if the leader hasn't made all the necessary efforts to cultivate that loyalty, he could find himself abruptly abandoned by the people on whom he thought he could count. But Pratte says Charest's biggest weakness lies in his choice of advisers and his management of them. As a young minister, Charest often had advisers who were even younger and more lacking in experience than he was. That can be a problem for a leader in dealing not just with advisers, but, more importantly, with cabinet ministers and caucus members as well.