If Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair is hoping for reinstatement to the United Conservative Party caucus – as some people expected and predicted he would be – he sure isn’t showing it. Last week, he spoke in the Legislature and was again highly critical of the UCP government. Not pulling any punches at all. On the contrary, he is looking more like an independent every time he says anything on the record.

Sinclair’s initial break with the party line happened back in March, when he voiced strong objections to the spending priorities in the proposed budget. Too much for the cities and too little for the rural north and Lesser Slave Lake in particular. For that he got suspended.

Last week’s outburst included these nuggets: “This premier has done me a favour by removing me from a party I no longer recognize.” And that she “demands obedience and silence, instead of critical thinking.”

The UCP faithful in the riding probably don’t like it, but its fair to say Sinclair’s stance is also getting him a lot of respect here at home.