Bruce Banman has declared his departure from the B.C. Conservative caucus to become an Independent member, making him the sixth caucus member to leave since Kerry-Lynne Findlay assumed leadership earlier this year. Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford South, stated that numerous individuals have expressed concerns about the electability of the new leader. Consequently, he announced his decision to join a growing number of MLAs as an Independent in the B.C. Legislature and encouraged fellow MLAs, regardless of their political affiliations, to follow suit.

Banman’s announcement aligns with the recent exits of Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay-Comox, and Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport. Additionally, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird and Delta South MLA Ian Paton left the party earlier this week, with Paton and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar intending to establish a new political party.

Since Findlay’s election as party leader, the B.C. Conservatives have experienced the departure of key staff members and internal strife, including the firing of the caucus director of operations. Reann Gasper, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, announced her resignation to facilitate Findlay’s candidacy in a forthcoming by-election, following which she was appointed as the deputy chief of staff. Yuri Fulmer, a Vancouver businessman who contended against Findlay for the party leadership, criticized departing MLAs for prioritizing personal interests over defeating the B.C. NDP led by David Eby, suggesting that some individuals had premeditated their exits from the party.