[LINK] "Duffy quits Conservative caucus over expenses as colleagues began turning on him"

[rfmcdonald]

The Canadian Press' Jennifer Ditchburn writes about the latest significant development in the Mike Duffy story.

Senator Mike Duffy resigned from the Conservative caucus to sit as an independent Thursday night amid a controversy over his housing claims, leaving a trail of unanswered questions about the expenses and why the prime minister backed him for so long.

The employment status of Stephen Harper's chief of staff, Nigel Wright, remains unchanged — despite his secret gift to Duffy to help repay the improper expenses.

Duffy resigned before what would have been a humiliating showdown for him next week. Conservative sources said the vast majority of his Senate colleagues had signed a petition calling for his ouster from caucus and they were prepared to confront Duffy with that petition at a meeting next Tuesday evening.

It's a stunning change of attitude for the Conservatives, who for the past four years have used Duffy at myriad party events to raise money, promote candidates and slag the opposition.

[. . .]

Only a week ago, the Conservative government hailed Duffy's leadership for repaying the funds the Senate said he owed. Senate Leader Majory LeBreton declared the matter closed.

But then it came to light that Wright had cut Duffy a personal cheque to cover the repayment in March. Harper's office characterized it as a personal gift, but this week Duffy called it a loan.

The Canadian Press reported Thursday that Duffy campaigned for the Conservatives during the April 2011 election while claiming to be on Senate business. That report was said to be the last straw, according to one senior Conservative.

"There are a growing number of questions about Mr. Duffy’s conduct that don't have answers," said one government official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. "Mr. Duffy will have to answer as an independent Senator."