Another MLA leaves BC Conservative caucus as potential snap election looms
Linda Hepner, MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River, resigned from caucus on Sunday and criticized the party leadership's "willingness to listen."
One day after three Conservative party members were removed from the British Columbia legislature's caucus, Linda Hepner resigned from her role as MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River. Hepner criticized the party leadership's decision to remove experienced voices, stating that the removal of Trevor Halford, Claire Rattee, and John Rustad was "beyond the pale of common sense."
She questioned why the three MLAs were removed while the party asked grassroots Conservatives to rally behind it. Hepner also highlighted allegations that a former party director hired a private investigator to investigate 14 people, including party members and a journalist. This is Hepner's second departure from the party, making her the 13th MLA to leave either willingly or due to leadership ouster.
The party now has 25 members, and there are suggestions that Premier David Eby may call a snap election as early as this week. Former Conservative MP Peter Milobar has become the new leader of CentreBC, a party that has attracted several recent Conservative departures. CentreBC is now the third-largest party in the legislature, with eight MLAs.
They focus on crime and safety, health care, and the economy. The exact date for a potential snap election remains unclear, but recent provincial government funding announcements suggest an election could be imminent.
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