fwiw, it is entirely rational to take all possible steps to prepare for a byelection in a seat where the sitting member is terminally ill.

and, anybody who prioritizes reason over passion would see no reason to get upset about it.

it's hardly a policy position, and hence hardly a reason to support the conservative party. but, the reaction is reflective of everything that is wrong with the new liberal party - this is base emotionalism at the expense of logic.