B.C. Conservatives face renewed questions over party unity after second MLA departure

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Only last week, during a visit to Prince George, Findlay downplayed concerns that Milobar’s departure could lead to further defections.

Tariffs

Tariffs deepen forestry uncertainty

1h ago

Nechako Hatchery

Nechako salmon hatchery hailed as major step toward rebuilding struggling stocks

2h ago

B.C. Politics

Bird leaves Conservative Caucus, will sit as Independent MLA

5h ago

At the time, she expressed confidence in the strength of the party and suggested political disagreements are a normal part of public life.

That confidence is now being tested following Paton’s decision to leave the caucus.

In a statement posted on X, Findlay thanked Paton for his years of service and wished him well. She also emphasized that the party remains focused on holding the NDP government accountable and presenting an alternative vision for British Columbia.

The timing of Paton’s departure is particularly notable because it comes just as Findlay appears poised to launch a byelection campaign. Speaking with CKPG News, Findlay said she had not initially expected the opportunity to return to the legislature so quickly and expressed gratitude for the support being shown by members of her party.

She has framed the potential byelection as an opportunity to demonstrate that the Conservatives are prepared to govern and offer voters a different direction for the province.

However, some political observers say the party’s internal challenges could complicate that message.

Dr. Hamish Telford, a political science professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, says parties hoping to form government must project stability and unity. Repeated caucus departures, he says, make that more difficult.

Telford argues the Conservatives are currently navigating a tension between appealing to core conservative voters and maintaining support among moderates who previously identified with the former B.C. Liberals and BC United.

According to Telford, efforts to build a more ideologically conservative movement may not sit well with every member of the caucus. He says some MLAs who entered provincial politics under the broader centre-right coalition that existed before BC United’s collapse could feel increasingly uncomfortable with the party’s direction.

As a result, Telford believes there may be additional caucus changes ahead, suggesting Paton may not be the last MLA to leave.

For now, Findlay’s immediate priority remains winning a seat in the legislature through a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission. But the loss of two MLAs in less than two weeks means she faces another challenge as well: convincing voters that her party remains united and ready to govern.