BC Conservatives deny internal rifts
The BC Conservative Party is denying accusations of multiple internal rifts within the party.
MLA Wat Supports Leader Amidst CCP Allegation
On Wednesday, an anonymous X account posted a purported May 6 internal Whatsapp screenshot of a message from now-Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay alleging that BC Conservative MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport Teresa Wat “is CCP (Chinese Communist Party)".
Later in the day, Findlay posted that she had a “wonderful discussion” with Wat, and that she “values her contributions, experience, and the important role she plays in bringing our team together.”
Asked by Sitka Media about the alleged leaked message, the BC Conservative Caucus provided a statement from MLA Wat while not denying the veracity of the leaked screenshot:
As I have said consistently, I fully support Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the duly elected Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
Kerry-Lynne has made clear that she values my contributions, my experience, and the role I play within Caucus. I appreciate her confidence and look forward to continuing to work alongside her and our team. She has built strong ties with the Chinese Canadian community through years of engagement and service, earning trust through her actions, including serving as Honorary Legal Advisor to the Chinese Benevolent Association and regularly attending Chinese cultural celebrations and community events across British Columbia.
As our party continues to gain momentum, increased scrutiny and political attacks are inevitable. We will not allow them to distract or divide us. Our focus remains clear: standing together, earning the trust of British Columbians, and electing a Conservative government in British Columbia.
Earlier, outspoken Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West had challenged Findlay remove MLA Wat from the Conservative Caucus if she has evidence that Wat is somehow a Chinese Communist Party asset – or apologize if Findley does not have evidence.
Lower Mainland Lieutenant Resigns Role
On Thursday, it was reported that Delta South MLA Ian Paton had resigned as the Conservatives ‘Lower Mainland Lieutenant.’
Paton later explained that he was continuing his role in Caucus as agriculture critic, but merely resigning his role for the Lower Mainland due to the demands of running his farm and family while expressing “full support” for his “longtime friend” Findlay.
Paton resigned as Lower Mainland Lieutenant just one month after being appointed to the role.
This followed news earlier in the week that BC Conservative Executive Director Angelo Isidorou was leaving the Party's top staff job.
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