Suspended BC Legislature sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz, and clerk of the house Craig James, held a news conference in Vancouver today to declare their innocence of any wrong doing, and ask to be reinstated to their jobs pending the result of an RCMP investigation.
Lenz says he has yet to learn what the allegations are against him:
" Although it is impossible to deny what you do not know, I firmly say that I have done nothing wrong, and that I am confident that an independent investigation now underway with the RCMP will clear me of any alleged wrong doings. I want this investigation to continue, and to conclude as quickly as possible. I will cooperate with the RCMP and have already reached out to them."
James told reporters he can't think of anything he has done that would disqualify him from carrying on with the duties of his office, and asked to be reinstated:
" I have been deeply impacted by what has occurred, as has my wife, my family, friends and relatives. I have received calls from others I do not even know who have offered their support. The damage to my reputation is irreparable. The healing can only begin with my return to work."
Both men say the humiliating treatment they endured, being led out of the legislature by police, and being placed on administrative leave, has irreparably harmed their reputations, and caused turmoil for their families and friends.
Both are asking to be reinstated.
Meantime, Speaker of the legislature, Darryl Plecas, has sent a latter to the three party leaders letting them know that if the assembly wishes to rescind the motion to remove the two seniors staffers there are provisions in place to review it.
The motion passed unanimously, but the BC Liberals are requesting an emergency meeting to seek more answers from Plecas on what led to the removals.