B.C. Conservative leader Findlay says she will stay after caucus defections

B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay says she is staying on after a series of caucus defections depleted the Opposition’s ranks.

Speaking at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Vancouver, Findlay said former caucus members are welcome to discuss returning, but said it “has to happen now” because Premier David Eby could call an election “as early as tomorrow.”

Nine legislators have left the caucus since Findlay won the leadership in May. Defectors have cited concerns about her leadership, the party’s direction and what one described as a “hard right” ideological push.

After her speech, Findlay described the Conservatives as a “young party” experiencing “growing pains.” Flanked by about a dozen legislators, she said her team is excited about the prospect of a provincial election soon and that she has spoken with several former caucus members who may want to return.