Another B.C. Conservative legislator has left the party to sit as an Independent. Donegal Wilson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, announced her departure in a statement Wednesday, saying she had lost confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. “When Ms. Findlay became Leader, I promised myself I would keep an open mind and give her three months to show us how she intended to lead,” reads Wilson’s statement announcing her departure. “Three months later, I have my answer. I never imagined things could go this wrong, this quickly.” Wilson is the eighth B.C. Conservative MLA to leave the party’s caucus since Findlay became leader in May. So far, all of the other defectors have elected to sit as Independent members, though Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and Delta South MLA Ian Paton have said they plan to form a new party. Wilson’s statement framed Monday’s cancelled caucus meeting as a key moment in her decision-making process. She said she requested the in-person meeting, which was cancelled less than two days before it was scheduled to occur, after members had already made arrangements to attend. “Caucus members met anyway, but her absence spoke volumes,” the statement reads, referring to Findlay. “I stayed because I wanted this to work. But these are not disagreements about conservative principles. They are the result of decisions made under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. After three months, the dam has burst. I no longer believe she can bring Conservatives back together, rebuild trust or restore the credibility needed to defeat the NDP.” Wilson said Premier David Eby’s decision to schedule a byelection in Abbotsford–Mission for the end of this month made her decision to leave caucus “unavoidable.” “Remaining in caucus would mean raising money, knocking on doors and asking British Columbians to put their confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay,” Wilson said. “I cannot do that. If I cannot honestly campaign for our leader, I cannot honestly remain in her caucus.” She said she has “tremendous respect” for her colleagues who remain in the party. “They will make their own decisions,” she said. “This is mine.” This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
