OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – A development at the trial for Senator Mike Duffy that could have serious election implications for the Conservative party.
After denials from the party, evidence shows the current chief of staff to the Prime Minister Ray Novak was in the loop about Nigel Wright, the former chief of staff, personally repaying Duffy’s improper expense claims. The two were recently in contact.
During cross-examination Nigel Wright, denied Ray Novak was involved in the phone conversation where he said he would foot the bill although he admitted Novak had popped in and out of his office.
That’s when Duffy’s lawyer Donald Bayne dropped the bombshell. He read from a police interview with the PM’s then legal counsel Benjamin Perrin, in which Perrin says Novak was in the room and did know about the Wright repayment scheme. After he and Novak heard Wright would pay out of pocket, He remembers looking at Novak to see his reaction.
Duffy’s lawyer was asked about the Novak revelation after court and he had one thing to say. “Issues of credibility are very much an issue in this trial.”
The Conservative Party said days ago Novak never knew and Leader Stephen Harper has been defending Novak saying this is only about Duffy and Wright.
We also found out Wright spoke to Novak just two weeks ago on BBM, but he didn’t keep a copy of the conversation.
Nigel Wright quickly leaves court. Walking fast doesn't answer questions about BBM's with Novak #DuffyTrial pic.twitter.com/8mJJ8Xu0FZ
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) August 18, 2015
That's the fastest I've seen Wright leave court. He walked faster than his lawyers, basically left them a block behind #DuffyTrial
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) August 18, 2015