Former MLA who switched to PCs admits he took Liberal Party information
The Progressive Conservative candidate for the Cape Breton riding of Northside-Westmount has found himself in hot water after admitting to taking information from the Liberals before he switched parties last month. Fred Tilley, who was previously the Liberal MLA for the constituency, made the decision to join the PCs just before Premier Tim Houston called a provincial election.
In an interview with CBC’s Information Morning Cape Breton, Tilley defended his actions by stating that as a Liberal at the time, he believed the information he took was rightfully his. He claimed that the data he obtained was not significantly different from what is available to all candidates who receive a voter list. According to Tilley, the information he collected, such as names, phone numbers, and addresses of constituents, was gathered through his own efforts, including door knocking, phone calls, and day-to-day work in the office.
Despite acknowledging that he took information from the Liberal database before leaving the party, Tilley insisted that he has not utilized the data for any purposes since his departure. However, the Liberals have raised concerns about a potential privacy breach, alleging that Tilley “misappropriated files” containing sensitive and personal information belonging to the party.
The Liberal Party has lodged complaints with Elections Nova Scotia and the RCMP, prompting an investigation into the matter. They have also announced plans to send a letter to the approximately 2,500 constituents affected by the alleged privacy breach. While Tilley dismisses the accusations as a retaliatory move by his former party, the Mounties are taking the issue seriously and looking into the situation.
As the controversy unfolds, provincial election officials have clarified that the matter falls outside of their jurisdiction. Tilley has condemned the Liberals’ actions, labeling them as “ridiculous” and an attempt to seek revenge for his decision to switch parties.
The unfolding scandal has captured the attention of the public and media alike, shedding light on the complex dynamics of political allegiances and ethical considerations in the realm of electoral politics. Premier Tim Houston has downplayed the Liberal Party’s complaints, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in all aspects of political conduct.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders and constituents await further developments to determine the implications of Tilley’s actions and the potential ramifications for the upcoming provincial election. The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and respecting privacy rights in the political sphere.
