While I don't like using political labels, they do help explain things more easily.

From my perspective, Ms. Smith did move her ideological dial. She used to be on the left side of the ultra-conservative agenda. Now she is in the middle. The right side of that agenda seems to be happy with her in the big chair.

She was the front runner in the leadership race in the United Conservative Party. And she took the middle of the party and the other contenders took the left side. The previous premier was drummed out by the right side of his political party. So it's not difficult to understand her political strategy.

This week, there are allegations that Ms. Smith was interfering with prosecution of community leaders defying COVID restrictions. Win, lose, or draw with this alleged scandal, she is solidifying her loyal base even more.

But we really need to stop playing these political games.