Liberal MLA Fred Tilley crosses floor to join Houston’s PCs

Another Liberal MLA has crossed the floor.

Northside-Westmount’s Fred Tilley has joined Tim Houston’s PCs.

In a statement, Tilley says he sees the Premier as a leader who extends respect to all Nova Scotians, and he wants to be part of the team that is delivering for the province.

Houston says Tilley is a respected leader in his constituency and he welcomes another team member focused on building up the province.

The PCs now have 34 seats in the legislature.

Tilley is the second Liberal MLA to leave the party this year, joining Brendan Maguire.

The move comes as election speculation swirls.

Houston was asked if he’d call an election by this weekend.

He says it’s not something he’s focused on, but there’s incredible turmoil in Ottawa, and what happens there can have impact in the province.

Houston says he needs to make sure Nova Scotia is in a strong position to bargain with the federal government, and he has serious concerns about how Nova Scotians are being treated.

Churchill feels betrayal:

Meanwhile, Liberal leader Zach Churchill says he feels betrayed by Tilley’s move.

He says it came with no warning.

“Anybody that’s ever dealt with a level of betrayal from someone you trust knows how this feels. Fred was in a position of trust, he was chair of our caucus and has been helping us prepare for a campaign,” Churchill told reporters at Province House.

Churchill called it a big blow, especially with an election looming.

He says he wants people on the team who have integrity, and fight through the hard days of opposition.

*with files from Evan Taylor