A member of the NDP caucus is downplaying rumblings of division within the party and disgruntlement with its leadership.
St. John’s Centre MHA Jim Dinn says he can’t speak for everyone in the party, but said he and fellow MHA Jordan Brown are fully behind party leader Alison Coffin.
Dinn was responding to reports of a “toxic” work environment, with sources telling VOCM that a leadership review is needed to address work issues that have become untenable.
A letter sent to VOCM claims a “well functioning political office” has been turned into a “hotbed” of “toxicity, harassment and wild unprofessionalism.”
Five staffers, including the chief of staff, have resigned in recent weeks over workplace issues, but Dinn said those people were laid off in the normal course of renewal and turnover in the aftermath of an election. He did acknowledge some type of ongoing HR issue, but would not elaborate due to privacy concerns.
Meanwhile, acting party president Kyle Rees told VOCM on Sunday that if HR issues exist, they do not “permeate” to the executive level of the NDP in the province.
Party Leader Alison Coffin was unavailable for comment.