Well, this ought to raise some eyebrows around the region — and lead to some soul-searching as people launch their municipal election campaigns two and a half years from now. A White Rock councillor is losing his seat after the court determined that he had won improperly, as this story from the Surrey Now details.
This unprecedented case sends shockwaves through BC’s municipal political landscape. James Coleridge, a 22-year veteran and the longest-serving member of White Rock council, has been stripped of his seat by Justice Laura Gerow for engaging in “deceit and lies” during the 2008 election campaign.
The scandal centered on a fraudulent email circulated by Coleridge’s wife under the false names “Allison and Tom Baker.” The email alleged that several candidates were running a secret pro-development slate that would impose high-rises on the picturesque seaside community. Rather than staying silent, Coleridge compounded the deception by publicly endorsing the “Bakers'” concerns to reporters, knowing full well the email was fabricated.
When confronted with evidence the email originated from his home computer, Coleridge initially denied knowledge and claimed identity theft. Under oath, he later admitted partial authorship while claiming he was protecting his pregnant wife Anna. The irony was palpable: Coleridge had campaigned on providing voters with “straight answers.”
Justice Gerow ruled that Coleridge’s fraudulent misrepresentation violated BC’s Local Government Act, which prohibits winning votes through “abduction, duress or fraudulent means.” The court ordered him to pay $20,000 toward by-election costs.
The case was brought by former councillor Matt Todd, whom the fake email had targeted as pro-development, contributing to his electoral defeat. SFU political scientist Kennedy Stewart warns this creates a troubling precedent of “recall by judges,” allowing failed candidates to challenge election results through litigation rather than democratic processes.
