Seventh B.C. Conservative MLA quits caucus as party continues to fracture

Á'a:líya Warbus announced Monday she is leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus and will sit as an Independent in the legislature, becoming the seventh MLA to depart the party in just over two weeks.

The Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA cited the cancellation of a planned caucus meeting scheduled for Monday in Richmond as the final catalyst, adding that she has had mounting concerns over staffing decisions by new party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay and allegations involving the now-fired director of operations, Apollo Chung.

Warbus also drew attention to claims made by Delta South MLA Ian Paton, who left the party last Monday, that Findlay had offered him an agricultural adviser position if he resigned his seat to run in a byelection—a move raising ethical concerns. An audio clip leaked from a caucus retreat in Penticton earlier this summer captured Findlay offering any MLA who stepped down a position with the party in the same portfolio as their critic role.

"There has been a critical breakdown in communication — not only with the public, but also with MLAs and staff," Warbus said in a statement. "Caucus members have learned of hirings, firings, critic appointments, and leadership positions through any and all channels, including social media, before being informed by leadership. The decision to postpone today's caucus meeting for a month reflects the lack of value being placed on caucus members and their opinions."

First elected in 2024, Warbus served as Opposition house leader under both John Rustad and interim leader Trevor Halford before Findlay replaced her with Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare.

Besides Warbus and Paton, the exodus has included Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar, Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat, Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Rosalyn Bird, and Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman. The party says the caucus meeting was postponed to allow Findlay to focus on the byelection in Abbotsford-Mission scheduled for Sept. 26. The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for the day after the vote.