Surrey MLA Linda Hepner resigns from B.C. Conservative caucus
Hepner cited loss of confidence in party leadership, marking the eighth departure since Kerry-Lynne Findlay took the helm.
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Linda Hepner, MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River, has resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus effective immediately. Hepner cited a loss of confidence in the party leadership's willingness to listen to experienced voices and consider different perspectives.
"The math simply does not add up," Hepner said in a message to media. "Grassroots members should be listened to, not simply appealed to and elected representatives should be able to offer honest advice without having their commitment questioned because they disagree with leadership."
The departures of John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée from the caucus "brought [her] concerns to a head," according to Hepner, who noted that Rustad had "built this party from a single elected member." Hepner also expressed concern about what she called "early hiring disasters" and allegations involving a private investigator.
Hepner, a former Surrey mayor, described herself as a centrist conservative. "I believe conservatism is strongest when it is practical, reasonable and grounded – not when it becomes defined by ever-increasing division," she said.
The resignation follows the departures of John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée from the caucus. Eight former Conservative MLAs have formed CentreBC, though Hepner would not confirm whether she plans to join that group. "It's incredibly sad to me that these are all my same colleagues now on both sides," she said.
At a glance
Who is Linda Hepner and what did she do?
Linda Hepner is the MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River who resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus effective immediately, citing loss of confidence in party leadership.
Why did Hepner resign?
Hepner said the party leadership was unwilling to listen to experienced voices and consider different perspectives. She was also concerned about departures by other MLAs, what she called 'early hiring disasters,' and allegations involving a private investigator.
How many B.C. Conservative MLAs have now left the caucus?
Eight former Conservative MLAs have departed, including Hepner's recent resignation marking the eighth departure since Kerry-Lynne Findlay took the helm.
