Kamloops MLA Kevin Krueger might think John Doyle is "rude and arrogant," but B.C.'s auditor general is likely back for two more years.
A legislative committee has unanimously recommended that Doyle have his term extended. If accepted by Doyle, the move would mean his term would be extended until October 31, 2015.
A week ago, Premier Christy Clark publicly called on select members of her own caucus to reverse course on a controversial decision not to reappoint John Doyle as the province's auditor general.
"If I had my wish, Mr. Doyle would be offered the opportunity to stay on for another two years," Clark told reporters, speaking publicly for the first time on the decision of a five-member legislative committee to not give Doyle a second term as the government's independent watchdog.
The two NDP members of that committee are believed to have voted in favour of Doyle during in camera sessions on the issue. That means the required unanimous vote for Doyle's reappointment would have to have been blocked by one or more of the three sitting Liberals.
Clark's announcement followed days of public uproar over the committee's decision, including a call by New Democratic Party leader Adrian Dix for Clark to directly intervene.
Krueger said last week he has no regard for Doyle, based on an exchange in the legislature last year.
The Kamloops-South Thompson MLA, who was on a public accounts committee at the time, said Doyle insisted that tax credits offered for drilling for natural resources be recorded as a debt, despite the fact they would not be used unless drilling occurred.
"The guy is rude and arrogant and wrong sometimes, but he won't admit it. . . . I don't think he carries the respectful way an auditor general should."
