PC Party requests Jamie Baillie’s resignation after ‘allegations of inappropriate behaviour’ (update)

The Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia said they requested the immediate resignation of Jamie Baillie “after becoming aware of allegations of inappropriate behaviour.”

Citing “personal reasons,” Baillie announced on Twitter Wednesday he had stepped down as head of the party, and as the MLA for Cumberland South, “effective today.”

In November, Baillie had said he would be leaving the helm, but planned to stay in the role until a new leader was chosen, he also planned to continue on as an MLA.

The PC party sent out a news release saying they had arranged an independent, third-party to conduct an investigation into the allegations.

“The investigation has concluded Mr. Baillie breached the Nova Scotia House of Assembly Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment in the Workplace,” said the joint statement from party president Tara Miller and caucus chair Karla MacFarlane.

“The PC Party is committed to a healthy, safe and supportive working environment where all Nova Scotians are treated with respect and dignity. The PC Party does not, and will not, tolerate sexual harassment in the workplace.”

“My priority is my family and I ask that our privacy be respected,” Baillie tweeted. “It has been an honour and privilege to lead the PC Party for the past 7 years, and to represent the people of Cumberland South. I thank them both for the opportunity to serve.”

The party says Karla MacFarlane is the interim leader of the PCs effective immediately.