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[POLITICS] · Canada · 50 sources

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B.C. Conservatives face turmoil as five MLAs form new party

The British Columbia Conservative Party is facing significant internal turmoil following a series of defections, resignations, and leadership disputes. Within a three-week period, nine MLAs have left the party caucus.

Five former Conservative MLAs—Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Á’a:líya Warbus—have announced plans to form a new political party. This group intends to provide an alternative to the governing NDP, focusing on issues such as the economy, healthcare, affordability, taxation, and land rights. The new party aims to achieve official third-party status and will hold an internal leadership vote before the legislature resumes in October.

The instability follows the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Defecting members have cited differences in values and strategy. Specifically, Ian Paton accused the leadership of muzzling him in his role as agriculture critic. Furthermore, Paton alleged that Findlay offered him a job in exchange for his resignation to facilitate a by-election in his riding, an allegation that has reportedly led to an RCMP interview. Findlay has denied any wrongdoing.

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B.C. Conservative Party · British Columbia · British Columbia Conservative Party · Ian Paton · Kerry-Lynne Findlay · New Democratic Party · Peter Milobar

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