Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Falcon 'not surprised' his supporters have left for BC Conservatives

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon said he knows a handful of people who supported his unsuccessful bid to lead the British Columbia Liberal Party have since joined the Conservatives.

"Candidly, I knew there's probably a number of my supporters that may have done that, and I'm not entirely surprised," Falcon said. "Some of them had expressed to me that they were working on my campaign in the expectation that I would win and if I didn't win they would have to sort of see what happened before they made their decisions."

This morning BC Conservative Leader John Cummins announced that Vancouver business person Rick Peterson has joined the Conservatives and will serve as the deputy chair of the party's finance committee.

The announcement noted Peterson tried to win the BC Liberal nomination in Vancouver Fairview in 2008 and volunteered on Falcon's leadership campaign.

Asked about Peterson leaving the Liberals to join the Conservatives, Falcon said he was one of a few who had strong Conservative ties and made clear they might not stay with the Liberals if Falcon lost.

"They were up front about that so I can't be critical," he said. "What I hope to do is demonstrate that this premier, this minister of finance and this government intends to respond to things in a manner that will bring home some of those people who have decided to support another party."

Falcon said the budget he'll release tomorrow is prudent. While there is a tradition of finance ministers buying new shoes for budget day, Falcon said he's skipping it because it is a time for making do with old shoes.

An Angus Reid poll released Feb. 1 found 27 percent of people who voted Liberal in 2009 said they were likely to vote Conservative.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Find him on Twitter or reach him here.

Find more in:

What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus