WATCH ABOVE: MP Andrews accepts results of misconduct review
CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L. – Newfoundland MP Scott Andrews accepted the findings Thursday of an executive summary of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct but called the process frustrating.
Andrews said he is not allowed to release the executive summary of the investigation by Toronto lawyer Cynthia Petersen and declined when asked several times to address the allegations that prompted his suspension from the Liberal caucus in November.
“However, after a full review, I am satisfied with the contents and findings of Ms. Peterson’s executive summary,” Andrews told a news conference in Conception Bay South.
“I have learned a lot about myself in the past few months and particularly, how my jovial Newfoundland friendliness can be perceived. I’ve learned a great deal on the importance of personal space, diversity and the understanding of feelings of others. I have and will continue to have the greatest respect for all my female colleagues and friends inside and outside the political world.”
Andrews said he would not object if Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau released the executive summary of the investigation.
WATCH ABOVE: Andrews will not return to Liberal caucus
Andrews, who has represented the riding of Avalon since 2008, said he won’t seek re-election as a Liberal and will decide in several weeks whether to run as an Independent in the next election in the fall.
Trudeau is expected to announce later Thursday that both Andrews and Montreal MP Massimo Pacetti will be expelled from the party’s caucus over the allegations.
Pacetti, who has maintained he did nothing wrong, announced Wednesday that he won’t seek re-election.
When asked Thursday whether he did anything wrong, Andrews declined to comment.
“I’m not going to respond to any of that because I don’t want to be mean-spirited and get into the details,” he said.
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