Henri-François Gautrin leaves politics after Couillard invokes "One Party, One Beard" rule

VERDUN -- Longtime Verdun Liberal MNA Henri-François Gautrin left politics today after Philippe Couillard invoked the Liberal Party's rarely-used "One Party, One Beard" policy.

"There can only be one beard in the Liberal Party and I am using it," said Couillard.  "As the leader, I get dibs.  Mr. Gautrin refused to shave during our caucus meeting and so was asked to leave."

Mr. Gautrin refused to shave his beard, noting how miserable and cold Verdun is.  "Without some protection from the bitter cold, my face would become as grizzled and lifeless everyone else in Verdun," he said.