Three MLAs, including Surrey–White Rock’s Trevor Halford, are no longer affiliated with B.C. Conservatives caucus

The B.C. legislature clerk’s office has confirmed that three more MLAs are no longer affiliated with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. The Office of the Speaker received notification on Friday, Sept. 18, concerning Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad and Surrey–White Rock MLA Trevor Halford, the clerk’s office told Today In BC.

B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay said in a statement issued shortly after the news emerged that the three would no longer serve as caucus members, effective immediately. With a possible election approaching, she said the party must focus on British Columbians and defeating David Eby’s NDP government. Findlay said the party was the only free-enterprise team with a fully funded campaign to take on the NDP and that members needed to focus on building the movement and preparing to win.

Rattée said in a lengthy social-media statement that Findlay was attempting to further shrink the party by trying to remove caucus members. Rattée said she was not leaving, would continue to represent Skeena and British Columbia, and pointed to nine MLAs who have left the party since mid-August, all of whom cited concerns about Findlay’s leadership.

She referred to allegations that paid positions had been offered to MLAs in exchange for resigning their seats, that senior staff had become involved in scandals, and that caucus members had not been consulted to resolve the issues. Rattée said elected members make up the B.C. Conservative caucus and argued that Findlay, who is not an elected MLA, does not have authority to remove caucus members. She also referred to allegations that a senior party official hired a private investigator to examine current and former B.C. Conservative MLAs.

Rattée said she was saddened to learn she was among the MLAs targeted in what she described as a complete lapse in judgment. She said she had overcome addiction, owns a successful small business, and had run in three federal and provincial elections while being vetted by media and party systems. She said that, amid speculation Premier David Eby could call a snap election, an attempt to remove incumbent B.C. Conservative MLAs showed poor judgment for someone seeking to become premier.

Halford said on social media that he would have more to say soon. He said he had proudly served as interim leader when the party reached new heights, was not going anywhere and still planned to run in Surrey–White Rock if an election is called. Rustad said in an X post before 1 p.m. that a news release was coming soon. Today In BC sought comment from all three MLAs.