Former agriculture minister leaves B.C. Liberals over ‘allegations’

Aug 15, 2016 | 9:14 PM

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A member of the B.C. legislature says he is leaving the governing Liberal caucus over unspecified allegations.

Pat Pimm, who represents Peace River North, says in a statement that the allegations require him to seek legal counsel and while the matter is being resolved he will leave the caucus.

The statement says Pimm will also resign from his post as deputy chairman of the committee as a whole, but he will continue to sit in the legislature as an Independent member.

“I want to inform my constituents that allegations have been brought against me which require me to obtain legal counsel,” says the statement released by his office.

“As this matter is before the courts, there will be no further comment.”

There is no indication in the statement as to the nature of the allegations that have been brought against Pimm.

He was first elected in 2009 and appointed agriculture minister in 2013.

He left cabinet last year to seek treatment for colon cancer.

Pimm previously announced he will not seek re-election next year.

He was arrested in connection with a domestic incident involving his wife in 2011 and returned to the Liberal caucus after a special prosecutor decided no charges would be laid.

 

The Canadian Press