Banman leaves B.C. Conservatives, will sit as Independent MLA

“Since the leadership race concluded, I am hearing from constituents and seeing with my own eyes the political tent needed to defeat the NDP getting smaller, not larger,” Banman said in the statement.

The Abbotsford South MLA argued that political parties must broaden their support base rather than shrink it. He said British Columbians are primarily concerned about affordability, housing costs, access to health care, and public safety.

Banman also claimed many residents have told him they are frustrated with the province’s direction under the NDP government and are looking for a political movement capable of uniting voters around economic growth and resource development.

He said constituents have expressed doubts about the electability of the party’s current leadership and warned that those concerns could improve the NDP’s chances in the next provincial election.

“For the sake of the future of this province we must defeat this NDP government,” Banman said.

As a result, Banman announced he would join what he described as a growing number of MLAs who have chosen to sit as Independents in the legislature. He also encouraged other MLAs, regardless of political affiliation, to consider doing the same.

The move represents another challenge for the Conservative Party of B.C., which has faced internal divisions since its leadership race concluded earlier this year.

Banman did not indicate whether he plans to join another political party in the future. For now, he says he will continue to represent the residents of Abbotsford South as an Independent member of the Legislative Assembly.

Locally, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird left the caucus on Tuesday.

by CKPG News

Banman leaves B.C. Conservatives, will sit as Independent MLA

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