B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is set to contest a seat in the legislature in September as Premier David Eby has scheduled a byelection for the Abbotsford-Mission riding on Sept. 26. This move comes after the incumbent MLA, B.C. Conservative Reann Gasper, announced her resignation last week to make way for the party leader. Findlay, who was elected B.C. Conservative leader in May, currently does not have a legislative seat.
Findlay has been accused of offering advisory positions to MLAs, allegations she has dismissed as a politically motivated attack. The party has experienced a significant exodus, with six MLAs defecting to become independents in recent weeks, expressing concerns about Findlay’s leadership and electability.
Under provincial law, a byelection must be held within six months of a seat becoming vacant in the Legislative Assembly.