NANAIMO — After not being named to John Horgan’s cabinet, Nanaimo’s long time MLA has been given a noteworthy appointment.
Krog has been named the B.C. government caucus chair.
EARLIER:
When Premier John Horgan unveiled his first cabinet, there was a notable omission.
Nanaimo MLA Leonard Krog wasn’t named attorney general despite being the AG critic and serving in opposition since 2005. Instead, Vancouver-Point Grey MLA David Eby, who had been the NDP’s housing critic, was named to the post.
However, Krog told NanaimoNewsNOW he doesn’t see it as a slight.
“Whether you’re in or out isn’t necessarily a negative reflection and of course this is the Premier’s first cabinet and there will no doubt be changes along the way.”
Despite not being a cabinet member, Krog said he’s still enthusiastic about his role in provincial politics.
“The last thing I would ever consider doing is leaving caucus because I wasn’t in cabinet. I’ve run for the NDP eight times now and I’ve run for the B.C. legislature more times than any sitting member. My commitment to the NDP runs deep and strong.”
Krog said he’s gained many skills during his 16 years in Opposition and parliament watchers should expect announcements in coming days about how his various skills will be utilized.
Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley also wasn’t appointed to a position in cabinet, putting him and Krog in the minority as Vancouver Island MLA’s who weren’t given minister or other cabinet positions.
Political commentator Allan Warnke said Horgan has to think about the impression snubbing Krog and Routley will give to mid-island NDP supporters.
“The fact of the matter is Krog has been there and I think the expectation was he’d probably end up in cabinet. (Residents) are disappointed and one would expect them to be,” Warnke said.
The NDP won in the Nanaimo riding in every election except one since 1972. In the three elections since it was formed, Nanaimo-North Cowichan has also gone to the NDP.
Nonetheless, Warnke said while it helps the riding to have a cabinet minister as MLA, not being burdened with the responsibilities of handling a portfolio frees the MLA to help their riding in other ways.
“It kinda goes both ways,” he said.
Though Krog wasn’t drafted to the NDP cabinet, Warnke said he has a gut feeling Krog could be named as the next Speaker of the House.
“Someone has to do it. It may not be over for him yet.”
The Speaker will be announced in the throne speech, expected in the fall.
-with files from Dominic Abassi
spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit
