Seventh B.C. Conservative MLA quits caucus, says she has lost confidence in Findlay

A’a:liya Warbus, one of the B.C. Conservatives’ most prominent legislators, said she would leave the caucus and sit as an Independent after losing confidence in the party under leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Warbus, an Indigenous MLA and former House leader, pointed to the cancellation of a caucus meeting scheduled for Monday. She said postponing the meeting for a month showed that the leadership did not value members or their opinions. She also cited concerns about the circumstances surrounding Reann Gasper’s resignation from the legislature, which cleared the way for Findlay to seek a seat in a byelection.

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The decision to postpone today’s caucus meeting for a month reflects the lack of value being placed on caucus members and their opinions.

Findlay, narrowly elected party leader on May 30, does not currently hold a legislative seat. She has rejected suggestions that a leaked audio recording showed her illegally offering jobs to MLAs in exchange for resigning. She called those suggestions “preposterous.” Gasper has since taken a paid position as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.

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It is one thing to ask for people’s trust, and quite another to blindfold someone and expect faith alone to substitute for transparency and accountability.

The RCMP said it was aware of the purported recording but would not confirm or deny an investigation, or identify anyone who might be investigated, unless charges were laid. No arrests have been reported.

Warbus said party members had learned about hirings, firings, critic appointments and leadership positions through social media or other channels before leadership informed them. Her departure follows those of Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Teresa Wat, Brennan Day and Bruce Banman. Milobar and Paton have said they will form an alternative party, while Banman has urged other Conservatives to join him as Independents.

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Preposterous