B.C. Conservative Party sees executive departure and caucus changes

The B.C. Conservative Party has seen several internal changes in a day, including the departure of executive director Angelo Isidorou and the resignation of Delta South MLA Ian Paton as the party caucus’s Lower Mainland lieutenant.

Isidorou said his departure was amicable and mutual. He has been widely credited with helping rebuild the party and establish it as the Official Opposition after BC United’s 2024 collapse.

Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay also issued a public statement supporting Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat, the party’s critic for multiculturalism and community partnerships. Asked whether the statement related to an apparent online attack on Wat, Findlay said increased scrutiny and political attacks would not distract or divide the party. Wat said she appreciated Findlay’s confidence.

Paton said he left the caucus leadership role to spend more time with his family and farm. He is among several MLAs who declined requests to resign their seats so Findlay, who does not hold a provincial legislature seat, could seek a byelection. Rosalyn Bird and West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Lynne Block also confirmed they had declined such requests.