Belinda Stronach

Reaction to Stronach's move

Stronach's party switch mere days before the confidence vote made her the target of considerable criticism within the Conservative Party. In a press conference following the announcement, Harper speculated that Stronach had left the party simply to further her own career. Some likewise accused her of being an opportunist who had never been a true conservative, but had been willing to use the party as a vehicle to achieve political prominence.

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The day after Stronach crossed the floor, the reaction in Newmarket?Aurora was mixed. Some of her constituents were upset and expressed a sense of betrayal. Protestors picketed her riding office for several days, demanding a by-election.

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There was additional criticism of Stronach's attendance at a Conservative election strategy planning workshop on the weekend immediately prior to her switch of allegiance, prompting allegations of unethical behaviour from John Reynolds, the Conservative campaign co-chair.

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Considerable media attention was paid to Peter MacKay, MP and the deputy leader of the Conservative Party, with whom Stronach had a relationship of several months. Interviewed the day after Stronach's departure from his party, he stated that he had learnt of her intention to cross the floor mere hours before the public announcement. In an interview conducted at his father's farm, MacKay showed discernable emotion.

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Stronach's defection to the Liberal Party and the speed with which she was given a senior-level cabinet position renewed calls from both parliamentarians and the general public for legislation to prevent such "party-hopping." One month after Stronach's defection, a private member's bill was tabled that would require a by-election to be held within thirty-five days of a member of parliament quitting a party. According to this proposed legislation, the MP would have to sit as an Independent until the by-election.

Related Topics:
Private member's bill - By-election

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