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

A byelection has been called in British Columbia following the resignation of B.C. Conservative MLA Reann Gasper, which has presented an opportunity for party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to sit in the legislature. However, the timing could not be more problematic for Findlay, as her party has recently lost six MLAs in a short period.

An audio recording, posted on social media, features a voice resembling Findlay, stating that if someone stepped down as a legislator, she could offer them a role as a senior adviser in their portfolio. Findlay has denied the recording shows her illegally offering jobs to legislators in exchange for resignations, stating the comments were "preposterous."

Despite this, the B.C. RCMP is aware of the social media post but does not confirm or deny any investigation. Meanwhile, the party's former leader Trevor Bolin has criticized the release of the recording, calling it a "political smear job" that couldn't have come at a worse time. Bolin emphasized the need for Findlay to address leadership issues within the caucus and improve transparency.

If Findlay decides to run in the riding, she would face former NDP MLA Pam Alexis, currently the agriculture and food minister.