Another BC Conservative MLA has left the party’s caucus and will sit as an Independent in the legislature.

Bruce Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford South, announced Thursday that he is leaving the BC Conservatives, becoming the sixth MLA to depart the caucus this month since Kerry-Lynne Findlay became leader.

In a statement, Banman said conversations with constituents following the leadership race influenced his decision.

“Sadly, since the leadership race concluded, I am hearing from constituents and seeing with my own eyes the political tent needed to defeat the NDP getting smaller, not larger,” Banman said.

“The goal in politics is to make the tent bigger. To listen to the majority. It’s not about left or right. It’s about doing what’s right. Now more than ever, we need to do right by the people of this province and listen to them.”

Banman added that many constituents had expressed concerns about Findlay’s ability to lead the party to electoral success.

“Person after person has come up to me and said our leader is unelectable,” he said.

With his departure, Banman joins a growing group of former Conservative MLAs who are now sitting as Independents.

“With a heavy heart, I am announcing today I am joining an ever-increasing number of MLAs to sit as an Independent MLA in the BC Legislature,” Banman said. “I would encourage my fellow MLAs, regardless of political affiliation, to join me.”

Banman’s exit further reduces the size of the BC Conservative caucus and marks the latest development in a month of upheaval for the party under its new leadership.