The NDP candidate in Saanich-Gulf Islands has dropped out after a 12-year-old story resurfaced over the weekend.
Over the weekend Julian West released a statement apologizing for skinny dipping in front of minors at an environmental conference in 1996 when he was a provincial Green Party candidate.
Details have since emerged suggesting his questionable behaviour went well beyond that, with him inviting young people to paint his naked body.
Today West released a second statement. "This morning I resigned as the NDP candidate in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands," he said. "After thinking about it, I have determined that I do not want to continue as a candidate and I have informed the party of that decision. I do not want my candidacy to detract from the campaign or from the issues that should be front and centre in this campaign.
"I'm going to return to my private life now, and I sincerely hope the campaign will be focussed on the issues."
West was one of three green candidates challenging Conservative natural resources minister Gary Lunn in the riding.
Thanks Julian, you did the right thing
Now, Jack, it's time to step up and cut at deal with Briony Penn - it makes me sick to say it, but she now has the only chance to get Gary Lunn out of public life once and for all.
I hope all the NDP supporters in the riding will understand she's the lesser of two evils and vote strategically to rid the riding (and the country) of this pest.
Too Late?
September 22 was the last day for withdrawal of candidates... looks like he's going to be on the ballot regardless, like the discredited tory in Southern Interior last time.
No problem - who's on the ballot doesn't matter
As long as the NDP gets out the vote to support Penn, Lunn is dead meat....
Hey G West, Perhaps the
Hey G West,
Perhaps the phrase "dead meat" is not quite the right one to use here...
Seems perfectly apropos to me
Considering the fact the Conservative decisions with respect to food inspections have led, more or less directly, to the death of, what is it now...15, 16? no I think it's 17 folks from Listeriosis I have no sympathy for a 'character' like Lunn.
Still, it's wishful thinking and, given another story here at Tyee about the involvement of Liberal tyro rainmaker Brad Zubyk in bringing down another candidate I'm not sure I'm still hoping for Penn.
Liberals are just as bad as or worse than the CPC. Especially ones that crow about their bad behavior like Zubyk. He and Lunn would make a good pair….
West Caught with his Pants Down.
We need pictures!
Putting On The Ritz.
I wonder how Wayne Easter feels about using "dead meat" to describe MPs.
No matter which way you slice it this is a fun season.