Implosion of B.C.’s Conservative Party Benefits NDP Government

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

The British Columbia Conservative Party has seen a sharp decline in cohesion and caucus membership under Kerry-Lynne Findlay's leadership, with multiple defections and internal conflicts pushing some members to plan a new moderate conservative party. This fragmentation weakens the centre-right opposition, consolidating the NDP's majority and limiting the Conservatives' ability to mount an effective challenge before the next provincial election.

The Conservative Party of British Columbia is experiencing a significant decline, marked by a series of defections from its caucus and internal discord under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay. This political upheaval has contributed to a period of instability within the province's centre-right political landscape, while benefitting the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) government led by Premier David Eby.

Prior to the 2024 provincial election, the Conservative Party was polling in the low single digits under then-leader John Rustad. Despite this, dissatisfaction with Mr. Eby’s NDP government prompted many voters to support the Conservatives, despite the party’s inexperience and perceived lack of cohesion. Following the election, the NDP held 47 seats, the Conservatives secured 44, and the Green Party held two, suggesting a competitive political environment.

However, the Conservative Party was never unified. It comprised a mix of former members of the BC Liberals and BC United, moderate conservatives, and a segment aligned with the far-right, often linked to the more ideologically driven “MAGA” wing associated with Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party in Alberta. Under Mr. Rustad, internal divisions intensified, and several MLAs left or were ousted. The party replaced Rustad with Kerry-Lynne Findlay, a former federal Conservative MP, following a closely contested leadership race in May 2026.

Despite hopes for stabilization, divisions have deepened under Ms. Findlay. Several recent defections have been attributed to concerns over the party’s move toward a far-right orientation. Controversy has also surrounded staffing decisions, including the brief appointment and subsequent dismissal of Apollo Chung, the former executive director of Alberta’s separatist Republican Party, as caucus operations director.

As of late August 2026, the Conservative caucus has diminished to 32 MLAs, with 10 former members sitting as Independents. Over the past two weeks alone, five MLAs have left the caucus. Among them, Teresa Wat, a four-term MLA from Richmond with prior affiliations to the BC Liberals and BC United, cited “serious and unfounded” accusations allegedly made by Ms. Findlay regarding her connections to the Chinese Communist Party. Ms. Findlay has acknowledged making these remarks but has stated that amends were made.

Ian Paton, another former BC Liberal and BC United member turned Conservative MLA, also resigned, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s direction. He alleged that he was offered a position approximating his MLA salary to vacate his seat and allow Ms. Findlay to run in a by-election—a claim Ms. Findlay has denied. The by-election followed the resignation of MLA Reann Gasper of Abbotsford-Mission, who later became the Conservative caucus deputy chief of staff, a role with undisclosed remuneration.

In response to the ongoing turmoil, Mr. Paton and former caucus member Peter Milobar have announced plans to form a new moderate conservative party, potentially drawing several current and former MLAs.

Observers suggest the fractured state of the Conservative Party limits its ability to challenge the NDP, which currently holds a solid majority. While some speculate that the NDP might call a snap election amid the opposition’s disarray, the current government appears to have little incentive to do so. The political crisis within the Conservatives underscores a broader fragmentation of the centre-right in British Columbia, leaving the NDP in a strengthened parliamentary position despite ongoing criticism of its financial stewardship of the province.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.