Thread by @MercedesGlobal

#Breaking Global News has learned the Conservative National Council is asking questions about how and where Andrew Scheer's office spent over $900,000 charged to the party. Sources say that's about $700,000 higher than the usual amount globalnews.ca/news/6309296/a… #cdnpoli #CPC

One of the members of National Council noticed the spike in the line item in the budget for the Leader's Office and asked what it was for and was told it was higher than expected pre-writ activity expenses as the party ramped up for an election year #cdnpoli #CPC

We asked why so much money this year, #CPC stmt "Much like any party leader, the Leader of the Conservative Party is required to undergo a significant amount of travel for partisan events and activities. These costs increase leading up to an election year... (1/2) #cdnpoli

#CPC statement cont'd "In the case of the 2019 fiscal year, leading up to the election campaign, the party ramped up activities which is reflected by this line item." #cdnpoli

A party official indicated it includes items like partisan travel (flights, hotels) for the leader and staff (advance staff, photographers, videographers, media staff); media training; room rentals, AV equipment. The party would not respond to questions about other items #cdnpoli

For those who are not political nerds, these are expenses that you cannot charge through your MP budget or the House of Commons because they are partisan in nature #cdnpoli #CPC

Global News asked for what the amounts were for the same line items in 2011 and 2015 to see how much past election years had spiked the budget. The party declined to make the numbers available #cdnpoli #CPC

The party did not disclose who in the party had signed off on or was aware of the expenses and amount. Global News asked if Mr. Scheer's cost of living differential, leader top up, or funds for the children's tuition were a part of the expenses. The party did not respond #cdnpoli

The party's National Council and Fund have a meeting tonight to discuss this issue. Some inside the party are calling for greater transparency and closer scrutiny on funds. Others say party funds in all parties used for a wide variety of things the party determines appropriate