- Rosalyn Bird leaves the B.C. Conservative caucus, citing concerns about the party's far-right direction and purity tests.
- Less than three months ago, party members elected Kerry-Lynne Findlay as John Rustad's successor.
- Since Findlay's election, she has lost three MLAs, with Ian Paton and Peter Milobar planning to form a new centre-right alternative.
- Findlay faces allegations she offered MLAs financial compensation to resign, which she denies.
- At a press conference, Findlay acknowledged that more MLAs may leave, stating that those who leave lack a vision for prosperity.
- Former leader Trevor Bolin stated that as many as eight to 10 caucus members may leave, making it hard for Findlay to remain leader.
- Paton claimed he was offered an agricultural adviser role by Findlay’s chief of staff, Chris Delaney, which would pay him $122,043, the same as his MLA salary.
- UBC political scientist Stewart Prest described Findlay's leadership approach as perplexing and strident, which is at odds with expectations for a new leader.
B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is grappling with a potential internal collapse as MLA Rosalyn Bird becomes the latest to leave the caucus, citing infighting and a shift in party values. Bird's departure follows allegations that Findlay offered financial incentives for resignations, which could violate Canada’s Criminal Code.124
Bird stated, “Division, not only amongst parties, but the division amongst various groups around the province, has been very prevalent in the last year and a half at the B.C. legislature”. She criticized the party's direction under Findlay, suggesting it has imposed a “purity test” on its members.
Since Findlay's election less than three months ago, the party has lost three MLAs, with Ian Paton and Peter Milobar planning to form a new centre-right alternative. Paton alleged he was offered a role that would pay him the same as his MLA salary, which Findlay denied.37
At a press conference, Findlay acknowledged the possibility of more departures, stating, “There may even be others that leave our caucus...if they’re leaving, that means they do not have a vision for prosperity and hope that we’re presenting for all British Columbians.” Former leader Trevor Bolin warned that if 8 to 10 members leave, it would jeopardize Findlay's leadership. UBC political scientist Stewart Prest remarked on Findlay's “strident approach”, which contrasts with expectations for a new leader in a divided party.68
“Findlay has lost three MLAs in under three months, with Ian Paton and Peter Milobar planning a new centre-right alternative. Former leader Trevor Bolin says eight to 10 caucus members may leave, which would make it hard for Findlay to remain leader.”
