RICHMOND-BRIDGEPORT MLA Teresa Wat announced on Wednesday that is leaving the B.C. Conservative Party.
Wat said in a statement: “I’ve made the decision today that I can no longer serve as a member of the BC Conservative Caucus under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay and I will sit as an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly.”
She said that on July 29, it was reported in the media that during the BC Conservative leadership campaign, Findlay was alleged to have made serious and unfounded accusations about me, including remarks that called my allegiance to Canada into question.
Wat added: “These remarks were distasteful, hurtful and made me question my place in the BC Conservatives under her leadership. At the time though, I was travelling with family and I attempted to put the matter behind me. I had a brief conversation thereafter with the leader who did not apologize and wanted to focus on what’s ahead of us. I decided to try to move on.
“When I recently returned home, I understood the full extent and reach of Ms. Findlay’s comments. I had many friends and individuals from the community reach out to me to say they do not believe these false allegations and were shocked no apology was issued. I realized that these allegations had caused real damage to my reputation and had created serious concern within the community.
“Following an exchange with Ms. Findlay and her Chief of Staff earlier this week, I was told an apology and clarification would be issued. To date, no statement has been issued.
“I cannot continue to sit in a caucus led by someone who has questioned my loyalty without evidence and, when given the opportunity to correct the record, has failed to do so.
“I make my decision with a heavy heart, proud of what we have achieved since I joined the BC Conservatives. Unfortunately, I believe all that progress is now at risk. I firmly believe we need an alternative to the NDP that is trying to grow and not one trying to divide. That is not the direction of the BC Conservatives under Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
“I want to thank my BC Conservative colleagues who have been steadfast with me. I consider you my friends and I wish you well.
“As a four-term MLA, I know politics can be cutthroat and a blood sport. I’ve never liked that about it. I’ve never subscribed to it. At its core, politics is about people. Those we stand up for in our communities, the teammates who inspire us, and the voices that drive change. I will continue to serve the people of Richmond-Bridgeport with those values at my core.”
