Bennett looks to Abbott to rebuild the BC Liberals

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Ex-Liberal cabinet minister Bill Bennett says he may never return to the party fold, but that BC Liberals would be wise to choose George Abbott as their next leader.

The Kootenay-East MLA, fired as energy minister then booted from caucus last November for criticizing Gordon Campbell's timetable for leaving as premier, said his "going back" to the Liberals was not the most important part of his decision to support Mr. Abbott, the former education minister.

"I may not go back whether George Abbott wins the leadership or not. I haven't made that decision," he said Friday.

Although he is now sitting as an independent MLA and said he has "multiple options" elsewhere in politics and the private sector, Mr. Bennett said he remains a card-carrying BC Liberal so is protective of the party's future.

"I am supporting George Abbott because I really believe he will give us a chance to exploit the opportunity we have here right now, which is the first opportunity we have had in 17 years to change the way we do business as government," he said in an interview.

Mr. Abbott said Friday that Mr. Bennett had a distinguished run as a cabinet minister and that he saw the MLA as a member of the "coalition of the reasonable" the BC Liberals will need to retain power.

"Having Mr. Bennett be a member of our coalition is imperative," he said.

Mr. Abbott said he hoped Mr. Bennett's endorsement was a prelude to his bid to seek a return to caucus and that he would vote for that admission if Mr. Bennett seeks it.

Mr. Bennett was disciplined for urging the premier to make way for an interim leader while the leadership campaign unfolds. In response to being fired, Mr. Bennett unleashed a tirade against the premier, describing him as an abusive bully.

But he said Mr. Abbott offers a prospect for leadership that will "bring out the best in people."

He added: "[Mr. Abbott]is a guy, if you give him an opportunity, he can build trust back in the BC Liberal brand.

"And right now, our brand is in the toilet. Let's face it."

Mr. Bennett, who took Mr. Abbott through four events in Fernie and Cranbrook this week, also said he was impressed with Mr. Abbott's commitment this week to have an independent third party review the $6-million deal to cover the legal bills of two defendants convicted in the BC Rail scandal.

"That's been something that has been bothering me ever since we did it," he said.

Also, he suggested that Mr. Abbott's leanings on federal politics are vague enough to help maintain the BC Liberal coalition of federal Tories and federal Liberals.

On the other hand, he said leadership hopeful Christy Clark, a former deputy premier returning to politics after a stint as a talk show host on CKNW radio, is known for her federal Liberal leanings while Kevin Falcon, the former health minister, is known for his federal Tory leanings.

Mr. Bennett acknowledged the popularity of Ms. Clark in public-opinion polls, but said he finds Mr. Abbott more substantive.

"I am just not prepared to make my decision on who I am going to support on the basis of the polls," he said, adding he is opposed to Ms. Clark's suggestion the Liberals hold an election earlier than the one scheduled in 2013.

"Christy was probably the most popular kid in her class all the way through school. She's got a brilliant personality, great smile. She's very vivacious," he said.

"But frankly she's also kind of cut from the same cloth as Gordon Campbell. There's a little too much spin and razzle dazzle."

He said he questioned the durability of Ms. Clark's charm as a political asset for the BC Liberals, who will be seeking a fourth term in 2013.

"I think over the two-year period, what Christy has going on is, perhaps, not sustainable," he said.

Mr. Bennett is the 15th minister or MLA to offer their support to Mr. Abbott. Thirteen caucus members are supporting Mr. Falcon. Christy Clark has one MLA in her corner. There are no MLAs backing candidates Mike de Jong, Moira Stilwell or Ed Mayne.