Byelection called as B.C. Conservative leader faces questions over leaked audio

A byelection has been called in British Columbia following the resignation of a Conservative MLA, providing an opportunity for party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to sit in the legislature. However, the timing appears to be unfavorable for Findlay, as her caucus has lost six MLAs in recent weeks. An audio recording surfaced on social media on Thursday, purportedly featuring someone whose voice resembles Findlay discussing the possibility of offering roles to legislators in exchange for their resignation.

Findlay dismissed the recording, calling the suggestions "preposterous." The party's former leader, Trevor Bolin, criticized the release of the audio, stating that it couldn't have come at a worse time for Findlay, given the various challenges facing the Conservatives. Bolin urged Findlay to address leadership issues within the caucus and improve transparency.

The recording, believed to have originated from a July caucus meeting, has been labeled as a "political smear job" by Findlay. While engaging in such discussions may not be illegal under the Criminal Code, the BC legislature standing orders prohibit offering money or benefits to members for promoting matters in the house. Six MLAs have departed the party in the past month, four of them within the last week, with Bolin predicting more could leave before the fall legislative session.

Findlay, if she decides to contest the byelection, would face former NDP MLA and former agriculture and food minister Pam Alexis.