David Butcher QC has been appointed special prosecutor to provide legal advice to the RCMP in its investigation into indirect political contributions and other alleged contraventions of the B.C. Election Act.

Earlier this month Elections BC announced it would investigate alleged campaign fundraising violations after media reports of lobbyist contributing to the B.C. Liberal Party as individuals, and then being reimbursed by a client of company.

Elections BC referred the investigation to the RCMP to ensure it would not appear to be in conflict with the provincial election coming up on May 9.

Butcher is a senior counsel with Wilson Butcher Barristers. He has previously worked on a number of public inquiries including the 2013 investigation into the "quick wins" case involving government employees who were alleged to be working on a B.C. Liberal Party pre-election strategy aimed at ethnic communities.

Independent special prosecutors are appointed by B.C.'s Criminal Justice Branch in order to avoid any real or perceived improper influence in cases involving government officials or elected representatives.