Pimm to sit as independent MLA after domestic dispute

Photo:  Pat Pimm was arrested after a domestic dispute with his wife Jody, as seen in this file photo from 2009.

After being arrested early Monday morning, North Peace MLA Pat Pimm has resigned as a member of the Liberal caucus and is taking a leave of absence.

Pimm made a statement, Monday afternoon saying he was taken into police custody after a domestic dispute with his wife and had spent the night in the Fort St. John jail.

Local Liberal Association President Andy Ackerman says he was very surprised when he heard Pimm had been arrested. Ackerman had personally spoken with Pimm earlier in the day, Monday, and says he listened to what Pimm had to say and to understand what had to be done for the party.

He says Pimm was calm and explained the situation to him. Pimm will now sit as an independent MLA for the riding.

Ackerman says it is too soon to say if the riding will have to choose a new Liberal candidate.

"It’s an unusual situation for all of us and so we’re going to have to lean on the experience and advice of our party executives and advisors and hopefully they’ll provide us with some good guidance."

Ackerman says despite the fact that Pimm is no longer a Liberal member, the North Peace area will still have a considerable amount of influence in the province, both politically and financially.

"Our expectations are that the northeast will continue to get the same representation we had  before and also the same status that we had before given all that’s going on up here."

Corporal Dan Moskaluk, with the “E" Division Strategic Communications Section of the B.C. RCMP says the police cannot confirm nor deny any of the information that has been released to the public, but did state that no charges have been laid at this time.

Pat’s wife, Jody Pimm, told the Vancouver Province the incident was not a big deal and "I don’t really see why you guys are feeding off of this stuff."

Premier Christy Clark says she believes Pimm did the right thing by resigning from the Liberal caucus.

-With files from the Canadian Press