Teresa Wat quits BC Conservative caucus, will sit as Independent

Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Rosalyn Bird has announced her departure from the BC Conservative caucus.

She will sit as an Independent.

In a statement posted to X, Wat explained that the main motivator behind her decision was discontent with leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

"On July 29, it was reported in the media that during the BC Conservative leadership campaign, Ms. Findlay was alleged to have made serious and unfounded accusations about me, including remarks that called my allegiance to Canada into question," Wat wrote. "These remarks were distasteful, hurtful and made me question my place in the BC Conservatives under her leadership."

She went on to note that she was travelling at the time, and had a brief conversation with Findlay, who "did not apologize."

"When I recently returned home, I understood the full extent and reach of Ms. Findlay’s comments," Wat continued, arguing that the allegations had "caused real damage to my reputation and had created serious concern within the community."

She explained that earlier this week, Findlay and her chief of staff vowed to apologize and publicly correct the record, but "to date, no statement has been issued."

"I cannot continue to sit in a caucus led by someone who has questioned my loyalty without evidence and, when given the opportunity to correct the record, has failed to do so," Wat lamented. "I make my decision with a heavy heart, proud of what we have achieved since I joined the BC Conservatives."

She concluded by suggesting all that work is "now at risk."

"I firmly believe we need an alternative to the NDP that is trying to grow and not one trying to divide," Wat said. "That is not the direction of the BC Conservatives under Kerry-Lynne Findlay."

Wat is the fourth MLA to leave caucus in 12 days, following Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, and Rosalyn Bird.

In a statement of her own, Findlay disputed Wat's account, and called her move a "betrayal" of those who got her elected.

"On July 29, I reached MLA Wat in Taipei and had a private conversation during which I apologized to her directly and we discussed how to move forward," Findlay said. "Following that, MLA Wat and I both released public statements addressing the matter. I appreciated MLA Wat's positive comments at the time about my leadership and she appreciated my praise for her work as an MLA."

Findlay added that she "considered the matter resolved," but that a month later, Wat asked for a second statement of apology.

"On Monday, August 24, I prepared a statement addressing her concerns and she wrote that she was supportive of its contents," she continued. "I was prepared to publicly address the matter in good faith. MLA Wat's resignation post this morning was made without any prior communication to me. I am disappointed in MLA Wat's actions after making repeated efforts to address her concerns directly and in good faith."