Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa꞉líya Warbus is the latest to leave the B.C. Conservatives as the rift over Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership widens.
Warbus said in a statement Monday morning she was “disappointed” to announce she would be leaving the Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent.
Warbus said she has lost confidence that she can adequately represent her constituents while Findlay leads the party.
“The decisions of this leader, or lack there of, along with the parade of people that have already come and gone in the span of three short months strike a serious chord that everyone should pay close attention to,” said Warbus.
“There has been a critical breakdown in communication—not only with the public, but also with MLAs and staff. Caucus members have learned of hirings, firings, critic appointments, and leadership positions through any and all channels including social media before being informed by leadership,” she said.
Warbus also criticized Findlay’s decision to postpone a planned caucus meeting this week.
Caucus members were scheduled to regroup in Richmond on Monday after a turbulent few weeks that saw six MLAs leave the caucus and Findlay fire her director of operations. Legal and ethical questions have also been raised about whether Findlay offered MLAs inducements to resign their seats so she could run in a byelection. Findlay has denied any wrongdoing.
“The decision to postpone today’s caucus meeting for a month reflects the lack of value being placed on caucus members and their opinions,” said Warbus. “It is one thing to ask for people’s trust, and quite another to blind fold someone and expect faith alone to substitute for transparency and accountability.”
“My support for common sense policies has not changed, but I am disappointed nonetheless that my faith in Ms. Findlay’s ability to lead this party to victory has,” she added.
Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Teresa Wat, Brennan Day and Bruce Banman have also left the caucus.
Milobar and Paton have said they intend to start a new centre-right party, but it is not clear what their new party would be called or how many of their fellow former Conservatives will join them.
Findlay announced Sunday that a news conference scheduled for after Monday’s caucus meeting had been cancelled, without providing further details.
Premier David Eby called a byelection Saturday for Abbotsford-Mission after Reann Gasper resigned as MLA so Findlay could pursue a seat in the legislature.
Elections B.C. said final voting day will be Sept. 26. The provincial government confirmed the seat became vacant when Gasper resigned on Aug. 22.
Former MLA Pam Alexis is set to run again for the NDP after losing the seat to Gasper in 2024.
CentreBC has announced Lakhwinder Jhaj as its candidate.
