Bruce Banman has announced his departure from the B.C. Conservative caucus to become an Independent MLA, making him the sixth member to leave the caucus since Kerry-Lynne Findlay assumed leadership earlier this year. Banman stated that he received feedback indicating concerns about the electability of the new party leader, prompting his decision to join an increasing number of MLAs sitting as Independents in the B.C. Legislature. His departure follows recent exits by Brennan Day and Teresa Wat. Additionally, other members, including Rosalyn Bird and Ian Paton, have also left the party and expressed intentions to establish a new political party.
Findlay’s leadership has seen several key staff departures, such as executive director Angelo Isidorou, president Aisha Estey, and vice-president Sharon White, as well as the dismissal of caucus director of operations Apollo Chung. Reann Gasper, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, has announced stepping down to allow Findlay to run in a byelection, with Gasper subsequently being appointed as deputy chief of staff. Yuri Fulmer, a Vancouver businessman, criticized the departing MLAs, suggesting that their actions prioritize personal agendas over defeating the B.C. NDP, emphasizing the need to give the new leader a fair chance before making decisions to leave. The ongoing internal turmoil within the Conservative caucus reflects challenges faced under Findlay’s leadership.