B.C. Conservative Party Replaces President as Leadership Transition Continues

Shraddha Tripathy

8/21/20262 min read

British Columbia’s Opposition Conservatives have replaced party president Aisha Estey as a broader leadership transition continues under newly elected leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Estey is being succeeded by former federal Conservative candidate Mauro Francis.

Vice-president Sharon White is also leaving the party’s board, with Pavneet Singh taking over the vacant vice-president position.

Findlay thanked both Estey and White for their contributions to the party in a message posted on social media.

“A big thank you to Aisha Estey for everything she has done for the Conservative Party of British Columbia,” Findlay said.

“Her commitment and dedication have made a real difference, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her.”

Francis Says He Is ‘Honoured’ to Take Role

Francis said in a separate social media post that he was “honoured” to become party president and expects there will be “a lot of positive work” ahead.

The party’s constitution does not require an election when replacing executive members, allowing the leadership changes to proceed without a membership-wide vote.

The changes are the latest in a series of departures and appointments since Findlay narrowly won the B.C. Conservative leadership in May.

Party Has Seen Several High-Profile Departures

Findlay’s election has been followed by significant changes within the party, including the departure of several senior figures.

Former leadership candidate Peter Milobar left the Conservative caucus last week and now sits in the B.C. Legislature as an Independent.

The party also parted ways last month with executive director Angelo Isidorou, who had been credited with playing a significant role in the Conservatives’ rapid rise in provincial politics.

The latest executive changes add to the continuing restructuring as Findlay establishes her leadership team.

Findlay Won Leadership by Narrow Margin

Findlay, a former federal Member of Parliament who does not currently hold a seat in the B.C. Legislature, was elected Conservative leader on May 30.

She secured the leadership after four rounds of balloting, narrowly defeating commentator Caroline Elliott by a margin of 51 per cent to 49 per cent.

Since taking over, Findlay has been reshaping the party’s leadership and organization as the Conservatives adjust to a new chapter following their emergence as British Columbia’s Official Opposition.

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