RT_1984 Posted October 30, 2003 Report Posted October 30, 2003 Keith Martin rejects Liberal defection rumours Canadian Press OTTAWA — British Columbia MP Keith Martin cleared the air of defection rumours Wednesday by stating he'll continue to sit with the Canadian Alliance and hopes to run in the next election for a new merged conservative party. "It's been my privilege to serve the constituents of Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca for the past 10 years, and it is my full intention to continue to serve them in the new Conservative Party of Canada," Martin said in a statement. Martin, a medical doctor, informed the Alliance caucus of his plans during its weekly meeting Wednesday. The unusual declaration was sparked by persistent rumours that Martin, a social progressive on the far left of the Alliance caucus, was considering a move to the governing Liberals. The MP himself did nothing to dispel such talk earlier this week when he would not comment on the Liberal speculation and added he was "contemplating all of my options." Another B.C. Alliance MP, Joe Peschisolido, defected to the Liberals in January 2002. Rumours of Martin meeting Liberal officials have been circulating for several weeks. On Wednesday, Martin not only recommitted himself to the Alliance, he also endorsed Leader Stephen Harper as the best prospect to lead the proposed united right. Harper has not yet formally declared his intention to run. Quote
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