A key former ally of Justin Trudeau’s said he would vote to topple the government, a move that would likely plunge the country into an election early next year unless the prime minister seeks a temporary suspension of parliament.

The shift comes as Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and a crucial Trudeau ally, has announced plans to withdraw support in the Parliament. Singh revealed plans to introduce a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons on 27 January, after the winter recess.

After Chrystia Freeland's sudden and unexpected resignation from the Trudeau cabinet earlier this week, it seemed clear that the NDP would vote non-confidence in the government, triggering an early election.