Smashed coffee mug 'hurtful' for former Wildrose MLA

Internal party struggles following the defections of two MLAs this week continue to create problems for Wildrose leader Danielle Smith.

This week, a Wildrose staffer smashed a mug bearing the name of former caucus member Kerry Towle and emailed her the picture.

Former Wildrose MLA Joe Anglin posted the picture on Twitter with the message: “WRP staff break @KerryTowle cup and send her a pic. Cost of cup $3.00. WRP staff classless.”

Smith acknowledged the incident on Wednesday and said the individual who sent the photo has been dealt with.

“My chief of staff talked to him and let him know that it was completely unacceptable,” Smith told reporters. However the staffer still remains on the job.

“People make errors of judgment when they’re feeling passionate,” Smith said. “You don’t chop off heads every time someone makes a mistake.”

​Towle said it was “hurtful” to receive the email. She was pleased to hear that Smith addressed the issue.

“It is unacceptable. It’s a form of bullying and I know that she doesn’t stand for that,” Towle said

Towle and Little Bow MLA Ian Donovan shocked Alberta political watchers Monday when they announced they were leaving the Wildrose for the Tories. Smith said she had no idea the two were leaving until Premier Jim Prentice announced the midday news conference.

Towle’s departure was especially surprising. The Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA was one of the highest-profile members of the Wildrose caucus and Smith’s close friend.

Both women have acknowledged that their friendship is over.

“She’s a member of the party across the aisle,” Smith said.

Smith said that all remaining Wildrose MLAs have told her they plan to remain in caucus. She called the party’s failure to capture a seat in last month’s byelections a “wake-up call.”

Smith has a new chief of staff. She says the party is in the process of  choosing a new executive director and campaign team.