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Asked last week about the new board while she was at a convention in Ottawa, she said it was too early to comment: “I will have more to say about the board upon my return from Ottawa.”

Bligh has spoken with the four remaining NPA councillors about her resignation from the party, she said, adding: “They support my decision, and they understand my decision.”

She also said there are other NPA board members she knows who also support her decision, ones are socially progressive.

“We were waiting to see what would happen at the first AGM (after last year’s election), and it was quite clear that there has been a takeover of the board to the far right,” Bligh said. “And there’s no ounce of me that can remain there.”

Two new members of the NPA board, Phyllis Tang and Ray Goldenchild, ran unsuccessfully against the NPA for rival parties in last year’s election. Both were endorsed by the Let’s Vote Association, an organization describing itself as “pro-family, pro-life and pro-parental rights.”

That affiliation caused concern for Bligh, she said.

At the first meeting of the new NPA board earlier this week, both Tang and Goldenchild were elected to executive positions: Tang as treasurer and Goldenchild as secretary.

Bligh also sent a statement by email Friday evening, saying: “As with any organization as old, large and diverse as the Non-Partisan Association, there will be times when there are conflicting values and social-political opinions in the membership … At the same time, it is important to note that there is a clear line between the elected NPA caucus and the new NPA board.”

In a statement, newly elected NPA president David Mawhinney said: “We regret to receive Councillor Bligh’s resignation from the NPA Caucus.”

“There is no evidence that either our secretary Ray Goldenchild, or our treasurer Phyllis Tang have ever made any anti-SOGI statements,” said Mawhinney, who also affirmed the NPA’s support for the LGBTQ community.

Bligh will continue as an independent councillor.

Photo by NICK PROCAYLO / PNG

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