Bruce Banman has made a decision to leave the B.C. Conservative caucus and become an Independent member, marking the sixth departure from the caucus since Kerry-Lynne Findlay assumed leadership earlier this year. Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford South, stated that he has been hearing concerns from constituents about the electability of the party’s new leader. With a sense of regret, Banman announced his move to sit as an Independent MLA in the B.C. Legislature, urging other MLAs from all political backgrounds to consider joining him.
This announcement follows the recent exits of Brennan Day from Courtenay-Comox and Teresa Wat from Richmond-Bridgeport. Additionally, Rosalyn Bird from Prince George-Valemount and Ian Paton from Delta South left the party in previous days. Paton and Milobar have revealed plans to establish a new political party.
Findlay’s leadership has also witnessed the departure of key staff members, including executive director Angelo Isidorou, president Aisha Estey, and vice-president Sharon White, along with the dismissal of caucus director of operations Apollo Chung. Meanwhile, Reann Gasper, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, announced her resignation to allow Findlay to contest a by-election, with Gasper subsequently being appointed as deputy chief of staff.
Yuri Fulmer, a Vancouver entrepreneur and former leadership contender, criticized the departing MLAs for prioritizing personal interests over the collective goal of defeating the B.C. NDP under David Eby’s leadership. Fulmer suggested that those who have left had premeditated their exits and did not genuinely support the new leadership.
The internal turmoil within the B.C. Conservative caucus continues to escalate, as the party faces challenges amid the ongoing departure of MLAs and staff members. Findlay has come under scrutiny for alleged actions incentivizing party members to step aside for her, further fueling the discontent within the party.