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Bruce Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford-South, has resigned from the BC Conservative Party. He becomes the latest MLA to leave the party under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Banman announced his decision Thursday. He said conversations with constituents shaped his concerns about the party’s current direction.
According to Banman, the Conservatives need a broader political coalition to defeat the NDP. Instead, he believes that coalition has grown smaller since Findlay became leader.
Banman Criticizes the Party’s Direction
Banman said residents have increasingly questioned the party’s ability to win future elections. He argued that politics should focus on building broader support rather than deepening ideological divisions.
“Since the leadership race concluded and Kerry-Lynne Findlay was selected to lead the party,” Banman said, “the political tent needed to defeat the NDP is getting smaller.”
He also rejected the idea that his resignation represents an ideological shift. Instead, Banman described his decision as a practical response to the party’s electoral prospects.
“The goal in politics is to make the tent bigger,” he said. “To listen to the majority. It’s not about left or right. It’s about doing what’s right.”
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More MLAs Leave BC Conservatives
Banman’s resignation adds to a growing list of departures from the BC Conservative caucus. Brennan Day, Teresa Wat, Rosalyn Bird, Ian Paton, and Peter Milobar have also left the party.
The departing MLAs have raised concerns about Findlay’s leadership. Their departures have created growing pressure within the Conservative caucus.
Banman said constituents from different backgrounds have shared similar concerns with him. He claimed many residents now view Findlay as unable to lead the party to victory.
“Person after person has informed me they have decided that our new leader is unelectable,” Banman said.
He described his decision as difficult. However, he encouraged other MLAs to consider sitting as independents in the BC Legislature.
Banman Leaves Days After Unity Event
The timing of Banman’s resignation also attracted attention. Findlay publicly praised Banman only four days before his announcement.
On August 23, Findlay posted a photo with Banman on social media. She thanked him and other MLAs for hosting a community meet-and-greet in Abbotsford.
The sudden change highlights the tensions surrounding the party’s leadership. Several sitting MLAs now plan to serve as independents.
Consequently, the BC Conservatives face increased pressure to stabilize their caucus. The party must also rebuild support before its next electoral contest with the NDP.
Banman Still Wants to Defeat the NDP
Despite leaving the Conservatives, Banman said defeating the NDP remains his main political goal.
“For the sake of the future of this province, we must defeat this NDP government,” he said.
Banman believes sitting as an independent offers a better path toward that objective. His departure could further reshape the political landscape inside the BC Legislature.
Meanwhile, Findlay and the remaining BC Conservatives face the challenge of rebuilding caucus unity. The growing number of departures could also affect the party’s strategy ahead of the next provincial election.
