Bruce Banman has declared his departure from the B.C. Conservative caucus to serve as an Independent, making him the sixth caucus member to leave since Kerry-Lynne Findlay assumed leadership earlier this year. In a released statement, the MLA for Abbotsford South stated that numerous individuals have expressed concerns that “our new leader is unelectable.” With a sense of regret, Banman announced his decision to become an Independent MLA in the B.C. Legislature and urged fellow MLAs, irrespective of their political affiliations, to follow suit.

This announcement from Banman comes following the exits of Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay-Comox, and Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport. Additionally, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird departed on Tuesday, while Ian Paton, MLA for Delta South, exited on Monday. Notably, Paton and Milobar have revealed their plans to establish a new political party.

The B.C. Conservatives have experienced a series of departures, including key staffers, since Findlay was elected as the party leader in late May. Findlay terminated the caucus director of operations Apollo Chung on Wednesday. Moreover, Reann Gasper, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, announced her resignation to allow Findlay to contest in a byelection. Gasper was subsequently appointed as the deputy chief of staff by the party.

Yuri Fulmer, a Vancouver businessman and former leadership contender, criticized the departing MLAs, suggesting that their actions prioritize personal ego over the goal of defeating the B.C. NDP led by David Eby. Fulmer emphasized that it is premature to judge Findlay’s leadership given her recent appointment. He insinuated that some individuals may have harbored intentions of leaving long before Findlay’s leadership was established.