OTTAWA — Despite the swift suspension of another Alliance MP who used the “R” word, criticism of Stockwell Day continued to mount Monday within caucus and the party’s grassroots.
Gary Lunn, MP for the British Columbia riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, crossed the line with Day’s office when he said late Sunday that the leader should resign.
He was promptly suspended from caucus.
“I feel quite strongly that I had to speak out and make this decision,” Lunn said. “I’m one that believes that if we continue under the leadership of Mr. Day, the very future of the party is at stake.
“Some believe that there will only be a thin shell left of a once proud and strong party next April (when a leadership review is due), so I am speaking out in the best interest of the party.”
Lunn joins colleague Art Hanger in a state of political limbo. Hanger, suspended last week for the same reason, now says he believes there are more than two dozen MPs in the 66-member caucus who don’t support Day’s leadership.
Some who have since criticized Day’s decisions, including Monte Solberg, Chuck Strahl and Jay Hill, have not been disciplined.
