Findlay says more MLAs could leave B.C. Conservatives amid caucus turmoil

B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay says more MLAs could leave her caucus as she tries to contain turmoil following a series of high-profile departures. Speaking in Vancouver on Tuesday, in her first news conference in nearly two months, Findlay said she did not know whether additional members would leave.

Findlay was joined by supporters including Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, her husband, and Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper. Gasper has said she intends to resign so Findlay can seek a seat in the legislature in a byelection, though no byelection has been called.

Findlay rejected allegations that she or her chief of staff offered MLAs paid party jobs in exchange for giving up their seats. She acknowledged discussions with people about stepping aside, but said no role was offered as a quid pro quo. Delta South MLA Ian Paton was among at least three MLAs approached and declined to step aside.

Paton left the party Monday to sit as an Independent, joining Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar, who left Aug. 14. The pair say they intend to form a new party and have said their values do not align with Findlay’s direction. Findlay said she would be interested to hear their proposed alternative.

Within two hours of the news conference, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird announced she too would leave the B.C. Conservatives to sit as an Independent. Findlay’s party has also seen staff and executive departures since her May 30 election as leader, including executive director Angelo Isidorou and president Aisha Estey.