Quebec Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez in turmoil amid recent bribery claims

Turmoil is shaking the Quebec Liberal Party as its newly-elected leader Pablo Rodriguez, faces fresh allegations tied to his recent leadership campaign.

Rodriguez is now calling for an independent, external investigation into these claims.

Pressure is mounting on Rodriguez after a recent report released text messages suggesting party members who backed him during the recent leadership race may have been offered cash rewards.

It comes after a tough week for the party in general, seeing Rodriguez dismiss their parliamentary leader.

Rodriguez told reporters Wednesday the timing of the messages being published was not lost on him, saying the drama is distracting from the work the Quebec Liberals have been doing to rebuild support among voters.