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B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay speaks at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Vancouver on Thursday. Findlay announced her resignation on Sunday, saying that too much energy had been spent on party infighting.Rich Lam/The Canadian Press
Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. less than four months after taking the helm, ending a brief and tumultuous tenure marked by an exodus of MLAs, bitter party infighting and mounting calls for her to step aside.
Ms. Findlay announced her resignation on Sunday, saying that too much energy has been spent on party infighting that should have been directed toward challenging the NDP and preparing to form government.
“Sometimes leadership means stepping forward. Sometimes leadership means standing your ground. And sometimes leadership means knowing when the interests of something larger than yourself require you to step aside,” she said in a three-page statement.
“Today, I am choosing to step aside.”
Ms. Findlay narrowly defeated Caroline Elliott 51 to 49 per cent on the fourth ballot in a May 30 leadership contest. Beginning Aug. 14, a steady stream of MLAs began quitting the caucus, all citing issues related to her leadership.
As of Sunday, 13 MLAs had departed — 10 who quit, including Surrey-Serpentine River’s Linda Hepner, earlier that day, and three whom Ms. Findlay removed. A 14th MLA, Reann Gasper, gave up her seat in the riding of Abbotsford-Mission to allow Ms. Findlay to run there in a byelection.
In her statement, Ms. Findlay also addressed the increasingly personal nature of the turmoil surrounding her leadership, saying the political fight has affected those close to her.
“My children and grandchildren see what is written and said. My family lives with the consequences of decisions I make in public life,” she said.
“And there comes a moment when leadership requires you to consider not simply whether you can continue a fight, but whether continuing that fight serves the people and the cause you entered public life to serve.”
On Friday, two other centre-right parties joined forces under the CentreBC banner, led by Peter Milobar. Mr. Milobar said the party has eight MLAs, with more expected.