The 1996 Bloc Québécois leadership election was the leadership election to replace Lucien Bouchard after he left the Bloc Québécois to become Premier of Quebec.[1] Bloc MP Michel Gauthier won the election and became Leader of the Official Opposition.[2][3][1][4] Gauthier's lack of profile resulted in some opposition parties mocking him as being the "faceless leader" of the opposition, as he was largely a political unknown in most of Canada and even in Quebec.[2] His leadership was unpopular with the caucus due to alleged conservative views and his lack of "charisma or authority" when compared to Bouchard.[5] Facing a revolt by his MPs, which culminated in the leaking of confidential caucus discussions, Gauthier resigned in March 1997.[5]
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