B.C. Conservatives Face Turmoil as Three More MLAs Depart

The British Columbia Conservative Party is facing significant internal turmoil, with three more members of the legislature departing and allegations that a party official hired a private investigator to scrutinize members. The B.C. legislature clerk's office confirmed on September 18, 2026, that Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford are no longer affiliated with the Conservative caucus. This brings the total number of MLAs who have left the party since mid-August to nine, all citing concerns with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay's leadership. Findlay, addressing the Union of B.C. Municipalities on September 17, declared she is "not going anywhere" and intends to remain as leader. She acknowledged the departures but expressed confidence in her team and the party's direction. Amid this turmoil, allegations have surfaced that a senior party official, identified as former executive director Elaine Allan, hired a private investigator to investigate several sitting MLAs, a journalist, and others. Findlay told reporters she had no knowledge of the hiring and that the party is looking into it.