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| A turn of a phrase by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross in an answer to a reporter's question on Thursday has Victoria political watchers stirring the party hopping speculation pot this weekend |
The subject of that speculation is none other than Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, who spoke yesterday with Global BC reporter Richard Zussman, with his answers catching the ear of BC political observer Bill Tielman who tried a bit of tea leave reading on twitter today.
The essence of the speculation is the comment from Mr. Ross that his opportunity to express his opinions on political themes is that of a BC Liberal ... currently
What that may mean for the future leaves for a bit to think about, Ross who finished second in the party leadership contest to current BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon has taken on a more prominent role for the BC Liberals in the both last fall's and the current session of the Legislature.
However at times his themes can stray from the Liberal talking points as relayed by the new leader.
As we noted yesterday, another Northwest politician made news in Victoria this week, that as Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad officially joined the BC Conservative Party, becoming the first member for the reborn brand to hold a seat in the Legislature.
Mr. Ross has expressed some similar concerns on resources as the Nechako-Lakes MLA and the BC Conservatives have clearly staked out their political turf as that which will advocate for rural issues and communities.
Mr. Rustad was also a very enthusiastic supporter for the Ross campaign for the BC Liberal leadership, prior to his expulsion from the Liberals later in 2022.
If the Skeena MLA were to follow Mr. Rustad to the other side of the Chamber, that would automatically provide the BC Conservatives with official party status, putting them at par with the Green Party.
It may also provide a path for those in the BC Liberal party to consider their own future plans, something that would make the incoming name of BC United somewhat of an ironic bit of branding and could set the stage for a fascinating twist for BC Politics.
It may all just be a bit of political theatre for a Friday in the provincial capital, but so far the Skeena MLA hasn't made note of or clarified any of the quickly percolating speculation through his social media stream.
Which means that the eyes will be on the Skeena MLA for the short term to see if there's any fire to the smoke of today.
Update: The MLA made note of the current themes of the day as part of an afternoon social media item.
More notes from the Legislature can be explored through our archive page.
Go to Ottawa, you have nothing left to prove provincially.
ReplyDeleteThe Conservative party polled well in the last federal election. Ellis jumped at the opportunity to talk to Germany about energy. Lastly, he hosted Conservative leadership in Kitimat.
it’s more likely he joins PP and the federal cons than the nascent BC Cons who stand no chance at grasping power
ReplyDeleteGood observations, the Federal option would make for an interesting thing that's for sure ... it would certainly put Skeena-BV into play at Federal election time.
DeleteThe provincial scene though is where he's currently best known and depending on how much the rural voters take note, the BC Conservative side could channel some of the anger currently directed towards both BC Libs and BC NDP. Who knows how voters chasing many directions may settle ... it would make for an interesting seat mix I imagine.
Anyways, he may just sit where he is, he's certainly got a high profile now in the Leg ... all in all the months ahead should be fascinating to watch at both levels NCR