3 more MLAs out from B.C. Conservatives

3 more MLAs out from B.C. Conservatives

Published 4:30 pm Friday, September 18, 2026

The B.C. legislature clerk’s office has confirmed three more MLAs are out from the B.C. Conservative Party.

The clerk’s office confirmed to Today In BC that the Office of the Speaker received notification Friday (Sept. 18) that Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad and Surrey – White Rock Trevor Halford are no longer affiliated with the B.C. Conservative caucus.

B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay issued a statement shortly after the news broke. She said “effective immediately,” the three would no longer serve as members of the caucus.

“With an election potentially on the horizon, our focus must be on British Columbians and defeating David Eby’s NDP government,” Findlay said.

“The B.C. Conservative Party is the only free-enterprise team equipped with a fully funded campaign to take on the NDP, and we need everyone focused on building our movement and preparing to win.”

Rattée claims Findlay is trying to further shrink the party by attempting to oust members from caucus.

Rattée issued a lengthy statement on social media Friday (Sept. 18), saying that she is “not going anywhere.”

“I was elected as a BC Conservative MLA and that’s not going to change. I’m not going anywhere. I will continue to fight for the people of Skeena and British Columbia.”

In the statement she pointed to the nine MLAs that have left the party since mid-August, all of whom cited concerns with Findlay’s leadership.

“There have been allegations of offering paid positions to MLAs in return for them resigning their seats, senior staff becoming embroiled in scandals, and refusals to communicate with caucus members to fix these issues,” she said.

She said Findlay is “now trying to further shrink” the B.C. Conservatives by attempting to oust members.

“Those team members are elected members of the BC Conservative Caucus. Ms. Findlay is not. She does not have the authority to remove any member of our caucus.”

She then pointed to the claims that a senior B.C. Conservative Party official allegedly hired a private investigator to scrutinize current and former party MLAs.

READ MORE: B.C. Conservative party official allegedly hired private investigator to scrutinize MLAs

Rattée said she was saddened when she was told by the party that she was one of the MLAs targeted “in this complete lapse of judgment.”

“With me, what you see is what you get. I have battled addiction and overcome it. I am a proud successful small business owner. I have run in three elections – federally and provincially and been vetted in the media and party systems.”

Rattée said all this comes as there is speculation that Premier David Eby may call a snap election.

“That she is attempting to remove BC Conservative incumbent MLAs on the eve of a potential snap election is yet another example of her demonstrating poor judgement that doesn’t befit someone who is attempting to become Premier.”

Halford also took to social media to say he “will have more to say soon.” He did add that he “proudly served as the interim-leader,” when the party reached new heights.

Like Rattée, he said he is “not going anywhere” and still plans to run in the riding of Surrey-White Rock if an election is called.

Rustad, in a post to X before 1 p.m., said a press release is “coming soon.”

Today In BC has reached out to Rattée, Halford and Rustad for comment.

READ MORE: B.C. premier says NDP election ready amid snap-vote speculation

READ MORE: UBCM president urges premier to hold off on provincial election call