The B.C. Conservative Party has witnessed the departure of two additional MLAs, Donegal Wilson and Scott McInnis, bringing the total to nine members who have recently left the caucus due to concerns over party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.
Expressing disappointment, Wilson, the MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, mentioned the rapid deterioration of the situation, emphasizing breakdowns in party communication and apprehensions regarding Findlay’s leadership decisions, particularly in staffing matters.
Similarly, McInnis, serving as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke, voiced his lack of support for Findlay’s leadership choices, emphasizing a shift towards an exclusive ideological focus rather than a broad coalition approach essential for serving the people of British Columbia and forming a government.
Wilson and McInnis join seven other MLAs who have distanced themselves from the Conservatives, including Á’a:líya Warbus, the MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, who recently expressed a loss of confidence in Findlay.
Despite the departures, the B.C. Conservative caucus affirmed its commitment to its role as the Official Opposition, aiming to hold the NDP government accountable and work towards restoring prosperity in the province.
Findlay is set to participate in a byelection following Conservative MLA Reann Gasper’s decision to step down, enabling the party leader to seek a seat. Dismissing the criticisms from departing members, Findlay labeled them as baseless attacks aimed at diverting attention from the campaign efforts in Abbotsford-Mission.
Amid these developments, the B.C. Conservatives’ chief of staff, Chris Delaney, resigned, with Gasper appointed as the new chief of staff after previously serving as the deputy chief of staff and stepping down as an MLA.
Since assuming leadership in May, Findlay has faced challenges, including staff departures and allegations of influencing MLAs to vacate their positions for her benefit, which she has refuted as a smear tactic.
Former Conservatives Peter Milobar and Ian Paton have announced plans to establish a new party, signaling potential shifts within the political landscape.
Overall, the ongoing turmoil within the B.C. Conservative Party underscores a period of significant change and challenges for the party leadership under Findlay’s tenure.
