Findlay to remain B.C. Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford–Mission by-election
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Kerry-Lynne Findlay has resigned as leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, effective immediately, amid a period of significant internal changes within the party caucus.
Findlay announced her resignation on September 20, saying that there comes a point in leadership when it is necessary to consider whether continuing internal conflict is serving the people and the purpose for which one entered public life.
In her statement, Findlay also acknowledged that she would make some decisions differently in hindsight following the events of the past several months.
Her resignation came only hours after Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner announced that she was leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus. The party has experienced several caucus changes in recent weeks, including the removal of Trevor Halford, Claire Rattée and former party leader John Rustad from the Conservative caucus.
Findlay was elected leader of the B.C. Conservative Party on May 30, 2026. Her tenure as leader lasted less than four months.
Despite stepping down as party leader, Findlay will remain the B.C. Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford–Mission by-election. Elections BC lists Findlay as the Conservative Party candidate for the riding.
The Abbotsford–Mission by-election is scheduled for September 26, 2026. According to Elections BC, voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., while advance voting is scheduled for September 18 to 23.
Findlay said she intends to continue campaigning in Abbotsford–Mission and focus on earning the confidence of voters in the riding.
The leadership change comes as the B.C. Conservative Party faces continued internal restructuring, with recent caucus departures and changes shaping the political landscape ahead of the by-election.
