Bruce Banman Leaves B.C. Conservative Caucus as Party Exodus Grows Under Kerry-Lynne Findlay

Liam O'Connell

8/28/20262 min read

The turmoil within British Columbia’s Conservative Party deepened Thursday as Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman announced he is leaving the caucus to sit as an Independent.

Banman becomes the sixth Conservative MLA to depart since Kerry-Lynne Findlay was elected party leader earlier this year.

In a statement announcing his decision, Banman said he had repeatedly heard concerns from constituents about the party’s new leadership.

He said some voters had told him they believe “our new leader is unelectable.”

“So, 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 B.C. Legislature,” Banman said.

“I would encourage my fellow MLAs, regardless of political affiliation, to join me.”

Six MLAs Have Now Left Conservative Caucus

Banman’s departure follows a rapid succession of resignations from the Conservative caucus.

Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day and Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat announced their departures Wednesday.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird left the party Tuesday, while Delta South MLA Ian Paton departed Monday.

Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar, who ran against Findlay during the leadership race, left the caucus on Aug. 14.

Paton and Milobar have since announced their intention to establish a new political party.

The departures represent a significant shakeup for the Conservatives, who emerged from the 2024 provincial election as British Columbia’s Official Opposition.

Senior Party Staff Have Also Departed

The caucus losses have been accompanied by a series of changes among senior Conservative staff and party officials.

Former executive director Angelo Isidorou has left the organization, as have former party president Aisha Estey and vice-president Sharon White.

Findlay also dismissed caucus director of operations Apollo Chung on Wednesday.

The changes have added to questions about the direction of the party and Findlay’s ability to maintain unity among Conservative MLAs.

MLA Stepped Aside to Make Way for Findlay

Findlay, a former federal MP, does not currently hold a seat in the B.C. Legislature.

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper announced Saturday that she would resign her seat, creating an opportunity for Findlay to seek election through a byelection.

No date has yet been announced for that vote.

Two days after Gasper announced her resignation, the Conservative Party said she had been hired as deputy chief of staff.

Former Leadership Rival Defends Findlay

Vancouver businessman Yuri Fulmer, who competed against Findlay for the Conservative leadership, criticized MLAs who have chosen to leave the caucus.

Fulmer said politicians departing so soon after Findlay became leader were putting their own ambitions ahead of the broader goal of defeating Premier David Eby’s B.C. NDP.

“If you've left already, you didn't give anyone a chance. You've been plotting to leave for weeks or months. You had no intention of giving any new leader a chance,” Fulmer said.

He suggested some of the divisions stem from lingering disagreements following the leadership contest.

“I think we're seeing a couple of folks who didn't get made leader and supported somebody who didn't get made leader and they've decided to move on,” he said.

Banman’s departure adds to the pressure facing Findlay as she attempts to stabilize the Official Opposition and rebuild unity following one of the most turbulent periods the B.C. Conservative caucus has experienced since its rapid rise in the 2024 provincial election.

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