Scott Andrews refuses to discuss misconduct claims at election announcement
Andrews running in riding of Avalon as an independent
Scott Andrews wouldn't discuss claims of sexual misconduct which led to him being ousted from the federal Liberal party as he announced he'll try to keep representing the riding of Avalon in the upcoming election.
Andrews, who was first elected in the riding under the Liberal banner in 2008, will run as an independent with his wife Susan Mosher acting as his campaign manager.
- Scott Andrews to run as an independent in Avalon
- Scott Andrews says he won't fight to rejoin Liberal caucus in wake of harassment probe
He made the official announcement in Paradise Tuesday morning.
"After a lot of reflection and a lot encouragement from thousands of constituents, friends, family, we've made the decision that I'm going to offer myself for re-election here in Avalon," Andrews said.
Andrews said it's been an "exciting" seven and a half years in Parliament, adding he feels he has more to offer.
He wasn't, however, interested in answering questions about his ejection from the Liberal caucus.
"We're moving forward. We are moving on. I have responded to those questions some time ago. I have written my constituents and dealt with those with my constituents," Andrews said.
Mosher, who was next to Andrews for the announcement, also wouldn't answer questions about the allegations against her husband.
"I'm 100 per cent supportive of this man. I am 100 per cent supportive of this election," said Mosher, who was also Andrews's official agent in the last election.
"Those that know me and those who have met me know that I am my own person and I make my own decisions. If I feel that something is right, then that's what I do."
Conservatives without candidate so far
Andrews was kicked out of the Liberal caucus in March amid allegations of sexual harassment by a female New Democrat MP.
Andrews and fellow MP Massimo Pacetti, who were initially suspended from the Liberal caucus last fall, were removed after Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau received the results of an independent investigation he commissioned from Toronto lawyer Cynthia Petersen. The details of the report have not been released.
Andrews presently sits as an independent.
Conception Bay South mayor Ken McDonald is running for the Liberals. Jenny Wright and Jeannie Baldwin are seeking the NDP nomination. Transgender activist Jennifer McCreath is running for an independent party called Strength in Democracy.
The Conservative Party has not yet announced their candidate for the election.