Eighth and ninth BC Conservative MLAs leave caucus to sit as Independents

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal Wilson announced Wednesday morning that she is leaving the BC Conservative Party to sit as an Independent, becoming the eighth MLA to depart since Kerry-Lynne Findlay became leader on May 30.

Wilson said she had intended to give Findlay three months to demonstrate how she would lead. She alleged experienced staff had been fired and that subsequent senior appointments raised serious questions about Findlay’s judgment. Wilson also alleged that more than one senior appointee had reported links to Alberta’s separatist movement.

Later Wednesday, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis announced he was leaving the caucus, the ninth MLA to do so within a month. He said he no longer believed he could effectively serve his constituents under the current leadership.

McInnis said staffing decisions, senior appointments, caucus relations and the organization’s direction had caused growing concern. He also cited what he described as reported connections to Alberta separatism and matters involving the RCMP. McInnis said he remains committed to conservative principles.