OTTAWA – MP Elizabeth May will now sit as an independent after being booted from the single-member Green Party caucus by herself earlier this morning.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May said that even before today’s announcement she had a record of “not being a team player,” and was generally considered “a loose cannon.”
Green Party chief whip Elizabeth May echoed her own sentiments, saying that there should be a by-election since constituents had voted for her based on her affiliation with the Greens, and that to keep representing them after expelling herself with none of their input was “unfair” and “undemocratic.”
May maintains that “the last thing” her constituents desire is an election, but should they feel it necessary she was confident she could still win a campaign against herself even without her party’s support.
May has said that she made the decision to expel herself from caucus after she did not allow herself to make a member’s statement in the house. “It’s ridiculous,” said May. “Members of Parliament aren’t allowed to stand for anything anymore.” May contends that not allowing herself to speak during members’ statements is a violation of her parliamentary privilege.
“I think my treatment at the hands of the party leadership has been completely unfair,” May continued. “I will not be a trained seal. I still believe I’m the right person to lead Canada and wish no ill will against myself, but I am concerned about the diminished role given to all members of Parliament in Canadian politics.”
In the backrooms, however, no one seems all that surprised at her decision. According to Green Party staffer Elizabeth May, this had been coming for some time.
“I am known for being abrasive with party leadership.” May said. “When I pass myself in the hallway I just seem aloof and don’t even say hello.”
Reporters were unable to get any further comment before the empty conference room in West Block was closed to the media for that week’s Green Party caucus meeting.
