B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay said she has removed three MLAs from caucus amid mounting internal divisions and calls for her to step aside as leader.
Findlay said Friday that Trevor Halford, Claire Rattée and John Rustad would no longer serve as members of the Conservative caucus.
Findlay didn’t provide details about why the three MLAs were being removed, but it comes amid speculation that Premier David Eby is gearing up to call an early election.
“With an election potentially on the horizon, our focus must be on British Columbians and defeating David Eby’s government,” said Findlay in a statement.
“Our caucus and grassroots are ready, and we’re building a strong team of candidates. There’s no room for internal power struggles or vanity projects,” she said.
Rustad resigned as party leader in December after a majority of caucus members voted to remove him. Halford led the party as interim leader until Findlay was elected in May.
Rattée’s removal came after she posted a statement online earlier this week criticizing Findlay’s leadership and saying she had not done enough to build bridges and communicate with caucus. Rattée said she was not leaving the Conservative Party but called on Findlay to “do better.”
On Friday, Rattée said Findlay should not be trying to further shrink the caucus after nine Conservative MLAs left in recent weeks.
She disputed that Findlay, who doesn’t have a seat in the legislature, has the ability to remove any elected caucus members.
“That she is attempting to remove BC Conservative incumbent MLAs on the eve of a potential snap election is yet another example of her demonstrating poor judgement that doesn’t befit someone who is attempting to become Premier,” she said.
Rattée also said that 10 MLAs, including herself, had signed a letter calling on Findlay to step aside as leader.
Findlay rejected calls to step down this week, telling local officials gathered at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver on Thursday that she was “not going anywhere.”
Halford posted a brief statement on social media, saying he plans to run again in his riding of Surrey-White Rock in the next election, without specifying whether that would be as a Conservative candidate or otherwise.
“I proudly served as the interim-leader, when our party reached new heights and I proudly serve my constituents,” he said.
Rumours have circulated feverishly in recent days that Eby will capitalize on the Conservative disarray to call a snap election.
Eby said Friday he was not making any official announcement and declined to provide details on any possible timeline for an election.
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