Findlay Steps Down Amid Caucus Friction

Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20. Her departure comes fewer than four months after she was chosen to lead the party on May 30, 2026.

In a statement posted to social media, Findlay indicated that internal disputes hindered the party’s focus. “Instead, from the outset, too much of our time and attention has been consumed by internal conflict,” she said. “Energy that should have been directed toward challenging the NDP, advancing our principles, and preparing to form government has instead been spent fighting amongst ourselves.”

Wave of Departures Precedes Announcement

The decision follows weeks of turmoil within the party caucus. On Sunday, Surrey Serpentine MLA Linda Hepner resigned from the caucus, marking the tenth MLA to quit under Findlay’s tenure. In addition to these resignations, Findlay removed three MLAs from caucus on Friday, Sept. 18: Claire Ratté (Skeena), John Rustad (Nechako-Lakes), and Trevor Halford (Surrey White Rock). In total, 13 sitting MLAs have left the caucus since August.

Some of the MLAs who departed joined together to form a centrist movement, ultimately aligning with Centre B.C. on Friday.

Upcoming By-Election and Next Steps

Despite stepping down from the leadership, Findlay confirmed she will remain the Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford-Mission by-election scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, where advance voting opened on Friday. Former MLA Reann Gasper had resigned her seat in late August to allow Findlay to run.

Reflecting on her decision, Findlay noted that leadership requires recognizing when to step aside. “I have made decisions I would make differently with the benefit of hindsight. I have listened. I have reflected. And I take responsibility for the decisions that were mine to make,” she stated. The party has not yet announced an interim leader.

Legislature Office Confirms Caucus Changes

The office of the B.C. legislature clerk has verified that three additional MLAs have ended their affiliation with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. Notification was submitted to the Office of the Speaker on Friday, Sept. 18, regarding Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford.

Following the legislative confirmation, B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay released a public statement confirming the immediate removal of all three politicians from the caucus. Findlay framed the decision around preparations for a potential upcoming provincial election, stating the party must concentrate fully on challenging the ruling NDP government under Premier David Eby.

Rattée Challenges Removal and Cites Internal Scrutiny

In response to the announcement, Rattée issued a detailed statement on social media rejecting the attempt to remove her and confirming her intention to remain in her position. She argued that as an elected MLA, Findlay lacks the authority to strip caucus membership from elected team members.

Rattée pointed to a broader trend of internal caucus friction, noting that nine MLAs have departed the party since mid-August while raising concerns about leadership. Her statement highlighted accusations involving offers of paid positions in exchange for seat resignations, controversy surrounding senior staff, and reports that a senior party official engaged a private investigator to monitor current and former MLAs. Rattée confirmed she was informed by the party that she had been targeted in the investigation, calling the move a severe lapse in judgment on the eve of a potential snap election call.

Former Interim Leader and Colleagues Prepare Next Steps

Halford also shared a brief update on social media, reflecting on his previous tenure as interim leader during a period of party growth. He stated that he intends to run again in his riding of Surrey-White Rock if an election is called and indicated he would release further details shortly. Rustad noted on X that a formal press release would be issued soon.

Political Consolidation Ahead of Potential Snap Election

In a move to prevent splitting votes among centrist options, eight sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly have unified under the Centre B.C. banner. Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar announced Friday in Vancouver that he is assuming the leadership of the party, supported by outgoing leader Mike Bernier, a former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister who stepped down to facilitate the transition.

The caucus consolidation brings together former B.C. Conservative MLAs who left the party following disagreements with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, alongside independent representatives. Milobar took the helm alongside Bernier and six other MLAs—Bruce Banman, Teresa Wat, Donegal Wilson, Á’a:líya Warbus, Rosalyn Bird, and Elenore Sturko. A eighth caucus member, Delta South MLA Ian Paton, was unable to attend the announcement due to a scheduled vacation but remains fully committed to the party, according to Milobar.

Focus Areas and Electoral Strategy

Addressing the party’s platform, Milobar stated that Centre B.C. will be “hyper-focused” on healthcare, climate action, and public safety on municipal streets. The party intends to field candidates across British Columbia if a provincial election is called. Bernier noted that discussions regarding the leadership transition and political alignment had been underway for several weeks, with public polling indicating that 51 per cent of British Columbians are seeking an alternative to the primary political parties.

Speculation Over Provincial Election Timing

The leadership shift comes amid growing speculation that Premier David Eby may trigger an early election less than two years into his current mandate. Political parties had originally envisioned an autumn launch on the steps of the legislature on Oct. 5 for the start of the fall session. However, shifting timelines have accelerated party preparations across the province.

An early provincial election call could overlap with municipal elections scheduled for Oct. 17. The potential timing has raised procedural concerns; Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay has requested the premier delay any provincial call, pointing out that an active provincial campaign alongside the ongoing Abbotsford-Mission byelection running until Sept. 26 would require Elections BC to halt administrative paperwork for other political entities seeking registration.