Abbotsford-Mission B.C. Conservative association president quits party

Randy Hawes has resigned as president of the B.C. Conservative riding association in Abbotsford-Mission and left the party, saying new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay represents a move too far to the right.

Hawes, a former Mission mayor and BC Liberal MLA, announced his decision on social media Aug. 24. It came days after Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper stepped down to make way for Findlay to seek the seat. Hawes said he learned of Gasper’s resignation through news and social media and had received no advance notice.

He said a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission was unnecessary and costly, and argued Findlay should instead have asked her husband, Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, to step aside. Hawes said he believes most B.C. voters favour a party closer to the political centre.

Gasper is to become Findlay’s deputy chief of staff. The party has also recently lost president Aisha Estey, vice-president Sharon White, Delta South MLA Ian Paton and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar. Findlay said Tuesday she was working to stabilize the caucus and could not rule out further departures.