Donegal Wilson quits BC Conservative caucus, will sit as Independent

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal Wilson has announced her departure from the BC Conservative caucus.

She will sit as an Independent.

"I was elected as a conservative," Wilson wrote in a statement. "I remain a conservative. My principles have not changed. What has changed is my confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay's leadership."

She explained that when Findlay was elected leader, she vowed to "keep an open mind and give her three months to show us how she intended to lead."

"Three months later, I have my answer," Wilson continued. "I never imagined things could go this wrong, this quickly. Seven of my colleagues have already left caucus. Communication between the Leader and her caucus has broken down, and I have watched colleagues I respect be treated in ways that deeply concern me."

She also drew attention to some of Findlay's hiring decisions.

"Two weeks ago, I requested an in-person caucus meeting to speak openly with our Leader and begin rebuilding trust," Wilson stated. "Members made arrangements to attend, but less than two days before the meeting, it was cancelled. Caucus members met anyway, but her absence spoke volumes.
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."

She cited the Abbotsford-Mission byelection as another reason for her leaving, noting that "remaining in caucus would mean raising money, knocking on doors and asking British Columbians to put their confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay."

"I cannot do that," Wilson said. "If I cannot honestly campaign for our Leader, I cannot honestly remain in her caucus."

Wilson is the Eighth MLA to leave the party in 19 days, joining Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Teresa Wat, Brennan Day, Bruce Banman, and Á'a:líya Warbus.