As turmoil continues for the B.C. Conservative Party, Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay says she is “not going anywhere.”
CTV News has learned that Findlay was asked to step down by at least two MLAs during an emergency caucus meeting held in downtown Vancouver late Wednesday night.
Sources say the meeting was contentious and wrapped up around 11:30 p.m., with Findlay refusing to resign.
Addressing the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention Thursday morning, Findlay said, “27,000 party members voted for me as leader who will collaborate and welcome anyone from any background or political alliances.”
Nine MLAs have left the Conservative caucus since August—defectors raising concerns about Findlay’s leadership and the direction of the party.
“We have a young party. It’s still in growing pains,” Findlay told reporters Thursday. “My team, they’re a fabulous team. They’re a winning team. They know what they’re doing. They know that we are probably heading into a provincial election very soon. We’re excited about that.”
MLA Claire Rattée, still a member of the Conservative caucus, published an essay calling out Findlay on Wednesday, saying she wouldn’t “tolerate” her leadership unless it changed and the Opposition remains “deeply divided.”
“Any who have left our party are welcome to have a conversation about coming back, but let’s understand that it has to happen now,” Findlay said.
She said has been speaking with former caucus members.
Amid the fallout on the right, Premier David Eby says his NDP is “election-ready” and acknowledged he hired a campaign manager—but has not given a date for a possible snap election.
Findlay has a shot at a seat in the legislature as she contests a byelection in the Abbotsford-Mission riding later this month.
She said Eby calling an early election would be a “cynical move” but her team is “ready to go.”
The party launched a pre-election fundraising drive Thursday and Findlay said she has secured a campaign manager.
“We’re in it to win it,” Findlay said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Demetra Maragos and The Canadian Press
