BREAKING: Bruce Banman quits BC Conservative caucus, will sit as Independent

Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman has announced his departure from the BC Conservative caucus.

He will sit as an Independent.

"Since the Conservative Party of BC leadership race ended this June, I, like many, had high hopes about the next chapter for our party," Banman wrote in a statement. "However, after numerous conversations with many of my constituents, it has become clear under the new leadership and direction of the Conservative Party of BC, an NDP win is becoming increasingly likely. For the sake of the future of this province we must defeat this NDP government."

He lamented that under leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, "the political tent needed to defeat the NDP getting smaller, not larger."

"Person after person has informed me they have decided that our new leader is unelectable," Banman continued. "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 BC Legislature. I would encourage my fellow MLAs regardless of political affiliation to join me."

Banman is the sixth MLA to leave the party in 13 days, joining Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Teresa Wat, and Brennan Day.

More to come...