Kerry-Lynne Findlay Refuses to Resign Amid Conservative Caucus Exodus

The Conservative Party of British Columbia is facing a leadership crisis as 10 Members of the Legislative Assembly have defected from the caucus since August. Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has refused to resign despite the exodus and public criticism from former caucus members. Seven of the defectors are forming a new, currently unregistered party under interim leader Peter Milobar, while others have become Independents.

Former caucus member Claire Rattée, who initially criticized Findlay in a detailed online essay before defecting on September 18, accused the leader of poor judgment and attempting to oust incumbent MLAs. Rattée claimed that a private investigator, hired by former executive director Elaine Allan, targeted a group of legislators. Internal instability was further highlighted when only 13 of 28 remaining legislators provided declarations of support for Findlay following the initial wave of defections.

Speaking at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver, Findlay characterized the turmoil as growing pains and asserted that she is not going anywhere. This internal conflict coincides with speculation that Premier David Eby may call a snap election, a prospect Findlay described as a cynical move. The leadership struggle occurs as Findlay seeks to secure her own seat in the legislature during the Abbotsford-Mission byelection on September 26.