Overview
- A recording posted Aug. 28 appears to capture leader Kerry‑Lynne Findlay offering a senior‑adviser role to an MLA who would step aside so she could run in a byelection, and multiple outlets have corroborated the tape’s apparent authenticity.
- Findlay has denied any illegal conduct, called the posting a political smear, and said the remarks were normal internal discussions, while the RCMP said it is aware of the social‑media post but gives no confirmation of investigations until charges are laid.
- Reann Gasper resigned her Abbotsford‑Mission seat on Aug. 22 and was appointed Findlay’s deputy chief of staff, and Premier David Eby has formally set a Sept. 26 byelection for that riding with former NDP MLA Pam Alexis entering the race.
- The party has lost more than a quarter of its 44‑member 2024 caucus since the election, with six recent departures and at least two former MLAs planning a new centre‑right party that risks splitting the vote and weakening the Official Opposition.
- Party insiders have called a crisis caucus meeting this week to address leadership and unity, and the dispute raises immediate legal questions because Canadian law and B.C. legislative rules bar offering benefits to induce an elected official to resign.