John Les, B.C.'s Solicitor General, has resigned from cabinet after a special prosecutor was appointed to oversee an RCMP investigation into allegations of improper conduct on the part of former municipal officials in Chilliwack.
Late Friday afternoon, Les stepped down from his position as British Columbia's top cop after learning he has been part of a police investigation since last June.
A source close to Les, who has held his post since 2005, told CTV's Jim Beatty he expects to be cleared of all allegations that he benefited from land transactions during his 13 years as Mayor of Chilliwack from 1987 to 1999.
In a press release sent out late Friday evening, the provincial Criminal Justice Branch said Les was among an unspecified number of former Chilliwack officials who are facing allegations of "potential improper conduct".
The independent special prosecutor, Robin McFee, was appointed last June to aid police in their investigations because it involves a B.C. cabinet minister. McFee will recommend if charges should be laid.
John Les was not immediately available for comment. No one from Premier Campbell's government has spoken yet but the Premier is expected to comment tomorrow.
Les was elected to the legislature in 2001.
He was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General on June 16, 2005.
He previously served as Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.
Les has served on several government caucuses, including the standing committee on parliamentary reform, ethical conduct, standing orders and private bills.
NDP Leader Carole James called it "very disturbing news.''
"John Les didn't have a choice but to step down,'' James told reporters in Victoria. "It's a very big blow for this government and there'll be lots of questions for Gordon Campbell about did he know, did anyone in government know, and why wasn't the public told, most importantly.''
