‘Implosion’: Warbus is seventh B.C. Conservative to quit caucus, blaming Findlay

The B.C. Conservative caucus, which won 44 seats in the 2024 provincial election, has seen a significant reduction to 30 members. This occurred due to several factors, including ideological differences and questions about the direction of the party under its two leaders, John Rustad and Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

The first group of members to leave were Dallas Brodie, Jordan Kealy and Tara Armstrong. Brodie was removed by Rustad in March 2025 due to his mocking remarks about residential school survivors. Armstrong and Kealy followed shortly after, both joining the new OneBC party before splitting and becoming Independents. Kealy was later charged with sexual assault, to which he denies.

Sturko, a former BC United member, was also removed from caucus in September 2025. She accused Rustad of accusing her of plotting against his leadership, a claim she denies. She now sits as an Independent.

Boultbee resigned in October 2025 after Rustad allegedly told her to "get the F out." Rustad questioned her health and state of mind. She later joined the NDP caucus, stating that the Conservatives had become too populist under Findlay.

Chan was removed from the caucus on March 26, 2026, by interim leader Trevor Halford due to a series of assault charges. Similarly, Milobar quit in August 2026, citing a lack of ideological alignment with Findlay. Both have since become Independents.

Gasper resigned in August 2026 to allow Findlay to run in a byelection. She was subsequently appointed Findlay's deputy chief of staff. Paton left the party in August 2026, planning to form a new party with Milobar. Both have become Independents.

Bird resigned in August 2026, stating she would sit as an Independent, warning about divisive leadership. She criticized the party for not firmly rejecting racism, antisemitism, homophobia and hatred. Wat and Day also resigned as Independents in August 2026, accusing Findlay of reneging on promises and losing confidence in her leadership.

Finally, Banman quit in August 2026, rallying other Conservatives to join him in sitting as Independents. He claimed many have told him that Findlay is "unelectable" and that her leadership could lead to an NDP win. Banman had given the B.C. Conservatives official party status in the legislature in 2023. Warbus also announced her resignation in the same month.