B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has removed MLAs John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée from caucus, following demands that Findlay resign as leader. Media reports say the Office of the Clerk of the legislature confirmed that the B.C. Conservative caucus had instructed it to remove the three MLAs from their party’s list.
However, Rattée lashed out at Findlay. She said in a statement: “David Eby’s costly and disastrous NDP government must be defeated. With reports that a snap election is imminent, the BC Conservative Party must present a credible alternative and look like a government in waiting to make life better for the struggling people in our province.
“Since Ms. Findlay has become leader, nine MLAs have departed from our caucus citing serious concerns with her leadership. There have been allegations of offering paid positions to MLAs in return for them resigning their seats, senior staff becoming embroiled in scandals, and refusals to communicate with caucus members to fix these issues.
“And then this week, allegations of a senior party official hiring a private investigator against members of the BC Conservative caucus came to light. I am one of the caucus members who was targeted.
“With me, what you see is what you get. I have battled addiction and overcome it. I am a proud successful small business owner. I have run in three elections – federally and provincially and been vetted in the media and party systems. I have fought hard to build the conservative movement in British Columbia and our Party to give a commonsense alternative to the NDP. So I was saddened when I was told by the Party that I was one of the MLAs targeted in this complete lapse of judgment.
“Worse, Ms. Findlay is now trying to further shrink our team by attempting to oust members of her own caucus, after nine MLAs left. Those team members are elected members of the BC Conservative Caucus. Ms. Findlay is not. She does not have the authority to remove any member of our caucus.
“Most importantly, she shouldn’t be trying to. That she is attempting to remove BC Conservative incumbent MLAs on the eve of a potential snap election is yet another example of her demonstrating poor judgement that doesn’t befit someone who is attempting to become Premier. She needs to grow our voter coalition to win an election, and instead she is driving key members of our team into situations that will undoubtedly split votes and give more seats to the NDP.
“If an unnecessary election is called by Premier Eby, Conservatives need to be ready and now because of her actions we are not. Reports that at least ten BC Conservative MLAs have signed a letter asking for Ms. Findlay’s resignation are correct, and I can confirm that I am one of them. Kerry Lynne Findlay must do the right thing and resign – immediately and prior to a snap election. BC Conservative MLAs will not accept her continuing to divide our team when we need to unite and form a government and help the people of British Columbia.
“I was elected as a BC Conservative MLA and that’s not going to change. I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to fight for the people of Skeena and British Columbia.”
