Áʼa:líya Warbus becomes seventh MLA to leave B.C. Conservatives since Findlay became leader

Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa:líya Warbus has announced she is leaving the BC Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent. Her Monday social-media statement made her the seventh MLA to leave since Kerry-Lynne Findlay was elected party leader in May.

Warbus identified Findlay’s leadership as a key reason for leaving. She said uncertain times require steady leadership and that the party needs someone who can bring people together, which she said is not happening.

She said the number of people who had come and gone in three months should draw attention, adding that departures included not only sitting MLAs but also critical and talented riding-association members and staff.

Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman left the party the previous week, saying many constituents had told him they believed the party was unelectable under Findlay. Before Banman and Warbus, the MLAs who had left since Findlay became leader were Teresa Wat of Richmond-Bridgeport, Brennan Day of Courtenay-Comox, Peter Milobar of Kamloops Central, Ian Paton of Delta South and Rosalyn Bird of Prince George-Valemount.