Koch camp denies any part in leaks

Leadership hopeful decries accusation over a possible leak as ‘ridiculous’

Nobody is directly pointing the finger at Alanna Koch publicly, but her camp is denying accusations she had access to debate questions after three other Saskatchewan Party leadership hopefuls signed a letter requesting an internal review of a possible leak.

“This is an absolutely ridiculous accusation in which there is no truth. It is clearly an attempt to discredit my campaign,” Koch said in a statement Monday morning.

Saskatchewan Party executive director Patrick Bundrock confirmed Friday that the party received a letter signed by Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Scott Moe and Gord Wyant, and subsequently sent it to the six-member leadership election organizing committee (LEOC) for review.

Bundrock declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations.

Multiple sources close to the leadership race said the letter referenced a possible leak of questions ahead of a party-run debate.

Koch, in her statement, said she appreciates the acknowledgment that she was “very strong at the debate.

“However, if I would have known the questions, I hope that I would have done even better.”

Koch said she has been more engaged in this process than any other candidate.

“I did well at the debate because for the past 10 years it’s been my job to know what is going on in government. I have advised Premier Wall and Ministers on these issues,” Koch said.

Bundrock said he takes every complaint or allegation brought forward “very, very seriously,” and that he immediately sent it to the LEOC after confirming receipt of the letter with those who signed it.

“Very serious and concerning information has come forward with respect to the debate questions, and answers to those questions, being provided in advance to one candidate,” Moe said Friday in a statement.

He did not name who that one candidate is — nor did any of the other signees of the letter.

“Our expectation is the Party will quickly and thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the race,” Moe said, adding that it “would not be appropriate to comment further.”

Wyant said in a statement that he signed the letter asking for an investigation after concerns were raised that information related to debate questions may have been shared with “a candidate.”

“I have full confidence in the members of the committee to quickly and thoroughly review this matter in the interest of ensuring this leadership race is conducted in a fair and transparent manner,” Wyant’s statement added.

Beaudry-Mellor confirmed, also in a prepared statement, that she was one of the letter’s signatories “asking for a review of the allegations raised in the leadership race.” She declined further comment, stating “this is an internal party matter.”

Ken Cheveldayoff said in a text message Friday afternoon that he did not sign the letter because he did not see any evidence questions had been leaked.

“I think the story speaks for itself,” he added.

Rob Clarke said in a statement that he expects the party to conduct a thorough investigation because members deserve to know what happened and who was involved before filling in their ballots.

“This is exactly the kind of bad behaviour we need to get away from as a party,” Clarke’s statement added.

The Sask. Party leadership race kicked off in August, after Premier Brad Wall announced plans to step down. The winner — and therefore the province’s next premier — is to be decided at a convention in Saskatoon on Jan. 27.