Quebec Liberal MNA Gregory Kelley ready to ‘turn the page’ on Pablo Rodriguez era

By Canadian Press on January 27, 2026.

QUÉBEC — A Quebec Liberal legislature member says he’s ready to turn the page on the turbulent political saga that saw his wife and fellow MNA expelled from the party’s caucus.

Gregory Kelley addressed media in Quebec City for the first time since his wife, Marwah Rizqy, was removed from caucus in November by then-leader Pablo Rodriguez over her decision to fire her chief of staff without consulting him.

The falling out was the first sign of the turmoil that would engulf the party and culminate in Rodriguez’s resignation in December amid allegations of vote-buying and reimbursed donations.

Rodriguez has maintained he did nothing wrong.

Kelley says the past few months have been difficult for his family, and that he had considered resigning.

He feels there’s openness within the party to bringing Rizqy back into caucus, but says it will be up to the party’s next leader to decide.

“I believe that everyone agrees that the next leader will decide, and I think everyone wants that,” he said Tuesday in Quebec City.

Kelley said he was disappointed and angered by Rodriguez’s actions, adding that he learned about his wife’s expulsion on the radio. He said he ultimately decided to stay in caucus after receiving messages of support from his legislature colleagues and residents of his riding.

“I’m ready to turn the page on this event and to continue to work together,” Kelley said. “We have lots of files that are important for Quebecers.”

Rizqy has not publicly explained her decision to fire her chief of staff, saying it is a human resources matter. Kelley declined to elaborate because there are lawsuits involved, but said his wife would be back in the legislature when it begins sitting next week.

Shortly after Rizqy dismissed her chief of staff, Le Journal de Montréal published text messages suggesting some party members who had voted for Rodriguez in the leadership race could have received cash rewards. It’s unclear whether the two stories are connected.

The Canadian Press has not independently verified the allegations, which Rodriguez denies.

The new Quebec Liberal leader will be chosen on March 14. Charles Milliard, the former head of the federation of Quebec chambers of commerce who finished second to Rodriguez last time, is widely expected to win the leadership.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 27, 2026.

— By Morgan Lowrie in Montreal

The Canadian Press