Political scientist says 'corruption' and 'smugness' cost N.L. Liberals last election
CBC
Memorial University political scientist Kelly Blidook pulled no punches when asked what cost the Liberals the 2025 provincial election in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Blidook, an associate professor, pointed to a CBC story last July which exposed how the Liberal cabinet quietly approved a new cash benefit for departing ministers, ranging from $12,000 to $48,664.
Blidook believes the story haunted the Liberals throughout the election campaign last fall and was a key reason they lost to Tony Wakeham's Progressive Conservatives.
"Every single member of that cabinet basically showed us that they are corrupt," Blidook told the St. John's Morning Show on Wednesday.
"The Liberals felt they were safe. They thought they could get away with things. And so ultimately, it was this corruption — I hope it was this corruption [that cost them the election]. I hope it was this smugness that they all had.
"And of course if any of them think I'm being inaccurate in calling them corrupt, you know, my contact is on the university website. They showed us who they are, and I think that really played into Wakeham's hands."
CBC News asked the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador for comment, but the party declined.
The policy was ultimately axed the same day the CBC story was published, with former premier John Hogan insisting he didn't know about the deal since he had stepped aside from cabinet when he decided to run for leader.
One former minister — Andrew Parsons — received money before the policy was cancelled. He was eligible for an allowance of around $37,000.
Blidook's hot takes were not just limited to the Liberals on Wednesday.
When asked about Premier Wakeham's plans to put a deal with Quebec on Churchill Falls to a public vote, Blidook said the idea doesn't make any sense.
"I think the idea of a referendum is crazy bonkers, to put this to the people and kind of ask the average citizen to figure things out and to vote on this. I appreciate direct democracy. I think it's important to have citizens have their say," he said.
"I don't think a referendum makes any sense in this particular case. But if they're going to hold it, I'm very interested to see how it works."
Blidook said he's taking a "wait and see" approach with the new government, but said it appears they're taking a straightforward approach to major issues.
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