B.C. Conservative MLA Teresa Wat announced Wednesday that she will sit as an Independent after stating she can no longer serve under party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, making her the fourth member to leave the caucus this month. According to a news release from Wat, Findlay made serious and unfounded accusations that called her allegiance to Canada into question during the leadership campaign and failed to issue an apology.
Departure Over Allegations and Lacking Apology
Wat, who represents the Richmond-Bridgeport riding, stated in her Wednesday release that she cannot continue in a caucus led by someone who questioned her loyalty without evidence. As reported by CHEK News, Wat noted that she was traveling when the alleged remarks surfaced on July 29, but she later spoke with Findlay directly and received no apology. Although she was reportedly promised a public retraction during a subsequent meeting, no such apology materialized. Wat stated that the unresolved allegations caused real damage to her reputation and created serious concern within her community.
Did You Know? Teresa Wat has served as an MLA for a Richmond area riding since 2013 and previously worked as a news director at what is now Omni TV, a news editor for Ming Pao Daily News, and as president and CEO of Mainstream Broadcasting Corporation, according to her MLA biography.
A Wave of Caucus Defections
Wat’s exit marks the fourth departure from the B.C. Conservatives since Findlay won the leadership contest in May. Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird left the party Tuesday, following Monday departures by Delta South MLA Ian Paton and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar. According to CHEK News, Paton and Milobar announced earlier in the week that they intend to register a new political party with Elections BC prior to the fall legislative session. Milobar previously ran against Findlay in the leadership race and left the caucus on August 14.
During a news conference Tuesday, Findlay maintained that no lawmakers were fired and that every departure happened voluntarily. Findlay stated that she has not altered the party platform since taking the helm in May, adding that departing members simply lack a vision for prosperity and hope. CBC News reached out to Findlay and the B.C. Conservative caucus for a response.
Political Background and Future Outlook
Wat entered provincial politics as a B.C. Liberal MLA and continued with the party after it was renamed B.C. United. She defected to the Conservatives ahead of the 2024 provincial election, shortly before former leader Kevin Falcon folded the B.C. United campaign. In her Wednesday statement, Wat reflected on her decision with a heavy heart, noting that she believes the progress made since joining the Conservatives is now at risk.
Findlay acknowledged during her Tuesday news conference that additional members may leave the caucus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Teresa Wat leave the B.C. Conservatives?
Wat stated she can no longer serve under Kerry-Lynne Findlay because Findlay made serious and unfounded accusations questioning her allegiance to Canada and failed to issue an apology.
How many MLAs have left the B.C. Conservatives this month?
Wat is the fourth MLA to leave the party this month, following departures by Rosalyn Bird, Ian Paton, and Peter Milobar.
What are the plans of the other departing MLAs?
Ian Paton and Peter Milobar announced they intend to register a new political party with Elections BC before the fall legislative session.
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