Another Conservative MLA leaves party in BC
Bruce Banman MLA for Abbotsford South joined the exodus of Conservative MLAs who are leaving the party. He became the sixth MLA to leave the party in the past 15 days, citing differences with the party leader Kerry- Lynne Findlay. In a statement, Bruce Banman said, “When John Rustad and I started this movement in 2023, we did so on the premise of fiscal responsibilityand bringing common sense back to BC politics. I am so proud that we came so close to forming government in the 2024 provincial election."He further said that since the Conservative Party of BC leadership race ended this June, "I, like many, had high hopes about the next chapter for our party. However, after numerous conversations with many of my constituents, it has become clear under the new leadership and direction of the Conservative Party of BC, an NDP win is becoming increasingly likely. For the sake of the future of this province we must defeat this NDP government."On the current leadership, Banman said, "Sadly, since the leadership race concluded, I am hearing from constituents and seeing with my own eyesthe political tent needed to defeat the NDP getting smaller, not larger. The goal in politics is to make the tent bigger. To listen to the majority. It’s not about left or right. It’s about doing what’s right. Now more than ever, we need to do right by the people of this province and listen to them."Banman added, "I’m hearing from British Columbians that their major concerns are affordability, how to keep a roof over their heads, find a doctor, and ensure that they and their family are safe in their community. To many, since the NDP formed government the province has become unrecognizable, unfordable, many confide they have lost hope, and have left for a life elsewhere or are making exit plans.""People of all walks of life tell me we need a group to pull together, defeat this NDP government, open up our vast resources again and bring prosperity back to the province they and I so deeply love.Person after person has informed me they have decided that our new leader is unelectable. So, with a heavy heart I am announcing today I am joining an ever increasing number of MLAs to sit as an Independent MLA in the BC Legislature. I would encourage my fellow MLAs regardless of politicalaffiliation to join me," Banman said.
