Overview
- An anonymous X account published an audio clip that several MLAs and reporters say appears to capture Findlay offering senior‑adviser roles to legislators who step aside so she can run in a by‑election.
- Six Conservative MLAs have left the caucus in recent weeks, lowering the party’s effective bench and prompting a crisis caucus meeting scheduled for Monday to address leadership and cohesion.
- Reann Gasper resigned her Abbotsford‑Mission seat and was appointed Findlay’s deputy chief of staff, and Premier David Eby has set the byelection for Sept. 26 for Findlay to seek a legislative seat.
- Legal and ethics questions have been raised because the Criminal Code and B.C. legislative rules bar offering benefits to induce a resignation, and the RCMP says it is aware of the social‑media post.
- The turmoil has spurred talk of a new centre‑right party led by Peter Milobar and Ian Paton, a risk that could split the conservative vote and reshape the opposition before the next provincial sitting.