Findlay announced her resignation on Sunday, September 20, on X.
According to her official statement, “Being chosen by Conservative members to lead this Party was one of the great honours of my public life. I had hoped to spend these first months travelling our province, listening to British Columbians, earning their trust, and making the case for what a strong, united Conservative movement could accomplish.
“Instead, from the outset, too much of our time and attention has been consumed by internal conflict.”
According to Findlay, she had hoped her party would unify in a legitimate challenge against the NDP but has instead seen the party spend far more time attacking her than mounting a front.
She says that she hopes that her stepping down will allow the party to come together before the next election.
“I will not allow an internal battle over my leadership to become a continuing distraction from the work British Columbians need a strong opposition to do,” Findlay said.
“… Sometimes leadership means stepping forward. Sometimes leadership means standing your ground. And sometimes leadership means knowing when the interests of something larger than yourself require you to step aside.”
Just three days ago, Findlay confidently stated that if the BC NDP called an early election, she and her team would be ready.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “Twenty-seven thousand party members voted for me as [a] leader who will collaborate and welcome anyone from any background or political alliance who shares our common-sense vision for change.
“Any who have left our party are welcome to have a conversation about coming back, but let’s understand that it has to happen now.”
It is not currently clear who will take over as leader of the party following Findlay’s resignation, but reports suggest MLAs are rallying behind Lorne Doerkson as interim leader.
What is wrong with Conservatives in BC?? They just keep fighting amongst themselves and throwing their leaders under the bus! They’re constantly splitting the vote and handing power over to the Leftist coalition of criminals that have been running this province into the ground for years.
So sad she did not get the support she deserved. So very sad and pathetic.