Derek Fildebrandt's short-lived suspension reveals 'great divisions' in Wildrose Party

The suspension and pending reinstatement of Wildrose MLA Derek Fildebrandtreveals "great divisions" within the party, and could be evidence of aninternal leadership struggle, according to one political scientist.

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Duane Bratt with Mount Royal University saidthe whole controversy"shows a power struggle between Fildebrandt and Brian Jean."

He said the party's handling of the situation raises more questions than answers.

"Was it Brian Jean who solely suspended Derek Fildebrandt Friday pending a caucus meeting this morning? Did that caucus then overturn or revise Jean's suspension? We don't know the timeline of how those things played out," he said.

If there is internal jockeying for leadership, it's clear thatFildebrandthas his share ofsupporters, said Bratt.

Both the constituency association and various grassroots activists have backedFildebrandt's reinstatement, Brattexplained.

A pattern of behaviour

Bratt also said it's unclear whether Fildebrandt'sendorsement ofa homophobic Facebookcommentwas the only cause for the public reprimand.

"If that was the sole reason for the suspension, I think it was an overreaction," he said.

Instead, Brattdrew attention to a "pattern of behaviour that led to this suspension," something also highlighted by Jean on Monday.

Brattpointed toa "Twitter feud" between Fildebrandt and PC MLAjournalist Sandra Jansen:

Bratt also referenced adispute with Globe and Mail reporter CarrieTaitand mentionedFildebrandt'srecent"heckling" of Ontario Premier KathleenWynne.

"I think focusing on what happened on Thursday or focusing on what happened on Friday is limiting."

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