Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigns as B.C. Conservative leader, stays in byelection race

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 21, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Globe and Mail

Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, effective immediately, following weeks of upheaval within the province’s Official Opposition caucus.

Findlay announced her resignation on Sunday, September 20, saying she did not want an internal dispute over her leadership to continue distracting the party from its work.

“Sometimes leadership means knowing when the interests of something larger than yourself require you to step aside,” Findlay said in her statement.

Despite leaving the leadership, Findlay said she will remain the Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford-Mission provincial byelection.

“I will remain the Conservative candidate in Abbotsford-Mission and continue working to earn the confidence of the people who live there,” she said.

Elections BC confirms that Findlay is one of five candidates contesting the riding. Final voting day is scheduled for September 26, 2026, with advance voting running from September 18 to 23.

Findlay was elected leader of the B.C. Conservatives on May 30, winning the fourth and final ballot with 51 per cent of the available points. Caroline Elliott finished second with 49 per cent, according to official party results.

Her resignation follows weeks of caucus departures and internal disputes. The Canadian Press reported that 13 sitting MLAs had left the Conservative caucus since August by the time Findlay announced her resignation.

Two days before stepping down, Findlay announced that former party leader John Rustad, former interim leader Trevor Halford, and MLA Claire Rattée would no longer serve as members of the Conservative caucus.

In her resignation statement, Findlay said the party needed a reset and that its next leader should be given the opportunity and support needed to succeed.

“Our Party needs a reset. We need to respect our members. We need to respect one another,” she said.

Findlay said that while she was leaving the leadership, she was not leaving public service and would continue campaigning in Abbotsford-Mission.