Colin Mayes has been around politics long enough that he likely expects to face opposition as an MP. But he probably wasn’t counting on it coming from his own ranks. However, that certainly appears to be the case as Mayes faces another internal revolt. Thirty-three local Conservatives, many of whom have roots going back to the old Reform days, have signed a letter and
fired it off to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They’re expressing concerns about Mayes and what they believe to be misinformation he’s provided. They allege that during a nomination meeting, Mayes denied being named as a defendant in a statement of claim filed in the Supreme Court of B.C. and indicated that the defendant is the City of Salmon Arm. They argue that while the statement of claim identifies Mayes, it doesn’t specify Salmon Arm, of which Mayes was mayor. “This matter could seriously jeopardize his re-election and the hopes of the Conservative Party to form a majority government in the next election,” states the letter to Harper. This is the second time that Mayes’ role as Tory flag-bearer has been called into question since he became MP earlier this year. The first time came just a few weeks ago when Mayes' bid to represent the party in the next election was challenged by Dean Skoreyko. It’s almost unheard of for an MP — especially one who handily won the last election — to actually have to defend his claim to the job. But Mayes had barely found the parliamentary bathroom when Skoreyko and his supporters were banging on the door. 
The nomination process got ugly, with both camps making it personal. At one point, Skoreyko and Mayes sparred over forums and who should host them. Skoreyko has categorically denied any involvement with the Harper letter and there’s no reason to doubt that. But it’s interesting to note that some of the signatures belong to people who didn’t want Mayes representing them. It should also be pointed out that the letter to Harper was leaked to the media and this isn’t the first time. The media has also been provided with personal e-mails from Mayes family members, correspondence he wrote to the riding association board and campaign finance details. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that who ever is doing this wants to portray Mayes in a poor light. Of course Mayes hasn’t needed any help in drawing negative publicity towards himself. Who can forget his column in which he suggested that, “Maybe it is time that we haul off in handcuffs reporters that fabricate stories, or twist information and even falsely accuse citizens.” Mayes stated his comments were made in jest but he should have realized that such a column would not only draw the ire of the media but those who fear the Conservatives want to trample on democratic rights. Ultimately all of these happenings leave some rank-and-file voters thinking the local Conservative Party is mired in turmoil and ill-prepared to focus on Okanagan-Shuswap interests. And with a short timeline before another federal election, perception could quickly become reality. I would expect the Liberals and the NDP smell blood and they will try and work the Tory in-fighting to their advantage. I would also imagine that Mayes must wake up some mornings wondering why he ever wanted to be MP.
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