Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigns as leader of BC Conservatives after MLA Linda Hepner exits caucus

The Story

Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned as leader of the BC Conservatives, announcing the decision on social media at about 1:30 p.m. local time on Sept. 20. Her resignation was announced on the heels of another high-profile departure from the party caucus, with Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner stating just hours earlier that she was resigning from caucus.

In her resignation statement, Findlay framed the move as an effort to stop internal conflict from distracting from the work of mounting opposition. She said it was not an easy decision, but called it the right one for British Columbia, and she argued that ongoing leadership conflict should not continue to pull attention away from the party’s purpose.

Hepner’s earlier departure cited what she described as strategic problems with caucus changes made on Friday. According to Hepner, the removal of three MLAs from caucus—John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattee—prompted her to decide that “enough is enough,” leaving the party after the internal turmoil.

Hepner’s exit reduced the party caucus to 25, and the Conservatives’ leadership situation is evolving quickly. The resignation from Findlay further underscores the volatility within the party, as talk has also increased about whether Premier David Eby could call a snap election as soon as this week.

Findlay’s resignation letter also addressed decisions made in recent months and emphasized accountability in leadership. She said she had made decisions she would make differently with hindsight, and that she had listened, reflected and taken responsibility for the choices that were hers as leader.

While a specific election date has not been announced, the article notes expectations that a snap election could be called as early as the coming week. It also points to signals from recent provincial funding announcements, alongside municipal election campaigns already underway, as context for why voters could see another provincial ballot sooner than later.

The article also reports that Findlay would remain the Conservatives’ candidate for the party in the upcoming Abbotsford-Mission by-election. It says she plans to continue seeking the confidence of residents in the riding even as she stepped down from the leadership role.

With Findlay’s resignation, CentreBC has said it would remain election-ready if a snap election is called. CentreBC, which describes itself as preparing to present a serious and stable alternative to defeat the current provincial government, said its message remained unchanged after the latest leadership changes.

Other Conservatives who have left the party include Rattee, who said in a statement that she plans to seek re-election under the BC Conservatives banner when the next election is called. The article notes, however, that because Rattee was removed from caucus, it is likely she would need to be formally invited back into the caucus to run under the Conservatives banner.

The potential timing of a vote is also reflected in Elections BC documentation that outlines advance voting and election-day dates depending on when a call is made. If an election were called by this Tuesday, election day would be Oct. 24; if an election were called between Sept. 23 and Sept. 29, election day would take place on Halloween. The next provincial election is currently scheduled for Oct. 21, 2028, unless the legislature is dissolved sooner.