Marie-Claude Nichols will remain independent. This is at least what was confirmed by the MP for Vaudreuil, at the microphone of Paul Arcand, this Tuesday.

"I will not return to the pre-sessional caucus. I have the impression that they do not want me there," said the MP, referring to the fact that she learned in the media that the agreement between her and the interim leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec, Marc Tanguay, fell through.

 Marc Tanguay had made it a priority to reintegrate Marie-Claude Nichols into the Liberal caucus when he was appointed interim leader. A meeting between the two politicians was even held on Sunday.

During this meeting, Marc Tanguay would have offered the 3rd vice-presidency of the National Assembly to Marie-Claude Nichols, and this, for a period of two years. The position would be shared with the MNA for Viau, Frantz Benjamin.

"I was very happy to return to my Liberal family. In addition to the position of 3rd vice-president, I was offered an apology," Marie-Claude Nichols told Paul Arcand. Discussions between the MP and Mr. Tanguay's team were even underway for a press conference to make it official.

However, faced with the threat of the MP for Viau to leave the Liberal caucus if the agreement was ratified, Marc Tanguay had to withdraw his offer. In a press release sent to the media, the interim leader explained that such an arrangement was not viable for the party.

"After consultation with members of the caucus and activists working in the party, it appears that such an option is not viable and would not promote the cohesion of the Liberal team ... However, the cohesion of the team is a priority, this avenue can not be the solution, "we can read.

For her part, Marie-Claude Nichols finds it hard to believe in this statement. "Marc Tanguay is a lawyer. It is impossible that he negotiated without having an agreement. What I understood was that he had validated it with the caucus, that everything was tied up."

Faced with this new failed attempt, the member for Vaudreuil preferred not to return to the Liberal caucus and remain an independent member. "I will wait for the next leader. I will paint myself in red in the corner if I have to. I thank the other MNAs who write to me, who are like me, stunned. I thank my citizens because that is my priority; it is the riding of Vaudreuil. I will continue my work for my riding. I will continue to work for all the citizens of Vaudreuil," she concluded.