B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay said she has no plans to step aside after reports that members of her caucus had asked her to do so.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Findlay told local officials from across the province at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Vancouver on Thursday.
The party has faced significant upheaval in recent weeks, with nine MLAs leaving the Conservative caucus since Findlay became leader in May. Some departing MLAs have cited concerns about communication and Findlay’s leadership.
Findlay has also faced allegations of potential wrongdoing, which she has rejected as baseless. The RCMP has said it is aware of a purported recording related to the allegations but has not confirmed or denied an investigation.
Criticism has also come from within the caucus. Skeena MLA Claire Rattée wrote on social media this week that the party is “deeply divided” and called on Findlay to “do better” at bringing the caucus together.
Speaking to reporters following her speech, Findlay did not deny reports that some MLAs had asked her to step aside during a caucus meeting Wednesday night, but declined to name any specific MLAs.
She described the recent departures as “growing pains” for the party and said she takes responsibility for the shrinking caucus.
“Whatever happens at the leader, you take responsibility for,” said Findlay. “There have been adjustments, there have been changes, and what’s really more important is do we have a working, fighting team that’s cohesive? And here we are.”
Findlay said communication lines are open to any former members who may want to return to the party, but warned time may be running out as speculation continues about a possible early election.
Premier David Eby has told his caucus to be ready for an election, but has not indicated when one could be called.
Findlay called a possible early election a “cynical move” as she campaigns for a legislature seat in the Abbotsford-Mission byelection.
“The Premier will impose on British Columbians a costly election two years early, trample on the byelection he just called and he knows I was about to win,” said Findlay. “That’s ok, we’re ready.”
