RCMP to interview former B.C. Conservative MLA over alleged job offer

Former B.C. Conservative MLA Ian Paton says the RCMP has asked to interview him Wednesday about an alleged offer of a paid job if he gave up his Delta South seat.

Paton says Findlay chief of staff Chris Delaney approached him in July with a proposal for a two-year adviser role at the same salary as an MLA. Paton says he declined, initially believing such an arrangement was common, before learning that negotiating a benefit connected to resigning political office can be an offence under the Criminal Code.

Findlay, who has no seat in the legislature, is running in this month's Abbotsford-Mission byelection after Reann Gasper vacated the seat and became Findlay's deputy chief of staff. Findlay denies offering jobs in exchange for resignations and calls claims arising from an online recording preposterous.

The RCMP has said it is aware of the recording but will not confirm or deny an investigation or identify anyone subject to one before charges are laid. Seven MLAs have left the Conservative caucus this month following Findlay's leadership win.