Two more BC Conservative MLA’s have left the caucus today. Brennan Day for Courtenay-Comox and Teresa Wat, who represents Richmond-Bridgeport, both say they can no longer serve under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.  

“I was proud of the progress we have achieved since I joined the BC conservatives, but unfortunately, I believe all the progress is now at risk,” said Teresa Wat.

Wat says her decision comes after Findlay accused her of being affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party and that the rhetoric has caused damage to her reputation and her mental health.

“Chinese Canadians should not have their loyalty to Canada questioned because of their ethnicity, their heritage, their language, or the communication platforms such as WeChat.”

Findlay responded to the development – she said she had already apologized to Wat in a private conversation, and had a public statement prepared. She adds that wat’s departure is a betrayal to the volunteers, campaign workers, and voters who helped her get elected during the 2024 elections.

This comes as Peter Milobar for Kamloops Central, Ian Paton for Delta South, and Rosalyn Bird for Prince George – Valemount have all left the party, with Findlay also firing the BC Conservative caucus’s director of operations Wednesday.

“Look at the direction since Kerry-Lynne Findlay became leader? Instead of being inclusive, we are exclusive. I’m not even saying extreme right, centre right, or left. It’s right vs. wrong. That’s why I’m not surprised that my colleagues are leaving,” said Wat.

The in-party turmoil may be a win for David Eby’s NDP, as recent polling shows the BC Conservatives approval ratings have fallen.

“Usually this is the time where MLAs go back to their ridings, talk to people and try to establish an emotional connection and paint themselves as a government in waiting. This isn’t what happened with Kerry-Lynne Findlay over the summer, and with MLAs leaving the caucus, certainly shows they do not believe she can lead them to victory,” says Mario Canseco, president of Research Co.

While Milobar and Paton are trying to establish their own party before the fall legislative session, Wat says she will continue to serve her constituents as an Independent.