Kerry-Lynne Findlay says she intends to remain leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia after an emergency caucus meeting and a growing internal dispute over the party’s direction.
Speaking Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, Findlay rejected suggestions that she was preparing to leave the leadership. She said she was “not going anywhere” and argued that the party could still rebuild public confidence before a possible snap election.
The comments came less than four months after Findlay won the party’s leadership contest on May 30. They also followed weeks of turmoil inside the B.C. Conservative caucus, including a series of MLAs leaving the party or sitting outside its caucus.
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Kerry-lynne Findlay: Findlay says leadership is not changing
Findlay told reporters that members had asked her to step down during an emergency caucus meeting held Wednesday evening. She did not identify who made the request and said it was up to those MLAs to speak publicly about it.
She did not indicate that she would resign. Instead, Findlay presented the leadership challenge as part of a broader period of organizational strain that she said the party could overcome.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Findlay said, while pointing to the support she received from party members during the leadership contest.
She also said the party should be open to people from different political backgrounds who share its stated goals. That invitation could be significant as the Conservatives try to manage the loss of support among members of their elected caucus.
A caucus under pressure
The dispute has intensified since Findlay became leader. Several elected members have left the B.C. Conservative caucus in recent weeks, citing disagreements over the party’s direction, staffing decisions and internal management.
The departures have weakened the party’s position in the legislature and raised questions about whether Findlay can maintain a unified opposition team when the House resumes.
The B.C. Conservative Party had been the province’s official opposition after the 2024 election. Its leadership change was initially viewed as an opportunity to reset the party following John Rustad’s departure. Findlay, a former federal cabinet minister and former member of Parliament for South Surrey—White Rock, won a closely contested leadership race against Caroline Elliott.
The party’s own leadership results show Findlay receiving 4,696.51 points in the final round, compared with 4,514.49 for Elliott. The result gave Findlay the mandate to lead the party, but the subsequent caucus departures have created a sharp divide between party-member support and support among elected legislators.
Election speculation adds urgency
Findlay’s remarks also came amid speculation that British Columbia could face an early provincial election. She said the party had to act quickly because of rumours that voters could be called to the polls sooner than expected.
She argued that an election would give the Conservatives an opportunity to explain their policies and present themselves as an alternative to the governing B.C. NDP.
However, an election would also test the party’s ability to function after the recent defections. Candidates, local organizations and campaign volunteers would need to operate under a common message while questions about the leadership remained unresolved.
For voters, the immediate issue is whether the Conservatives can stabilize their caucus before the next major legislative or electoral test. A leadership challenge that remains unresolved could affect the party’s public presentation, candidate recruitment and fundraising.
What happens next
Findlay remains leader unless she resigns, is removed under the party’s rules or loses a formal leadership review or contest. Thursday’s comments suggest she intends to fight to keep the position rather than voluntarily step aside.
The next signs of the party’s direction are likely to come from caucus attendance, further membership changes and how the Conservatives organize for the fall legislative session. The party’s public statements and parliamentary activity will also show whether it can move beyond internal disputes.
Findlay said she believes the Conservatives can restore their reputation and remain the strongest alternative to the NDP. That claim will now be tested against the party’s ability to keep its remaining legislators together and offer British Columbians a clear platform.
For now, the leadership has not changed. But the conflict has left the B.C. Conservatives facing a significant organizational test only weeks after choosing a new leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerry-Lynne Findlay still leader of the B.C. Conservatives?
Yes. As of September 17, 2026, Findlay remained leader and said she did not intend to step down.
Why is Kerry-Lynne Findlay trending in Canada?
She is trending after saying she will remain B.C. Conservative leader following an emergency caucus meeting and internal questions about her leadership.
Was Kerry-Lynne Findlay asked to resign?
Findlay acknowledged that at least one MLA asked her to step down during the emergency caucus meeting, but she did not identify the person or agree to resign.
When did Kerry-Lynne Findlay become leader of the B.C. Conservatives?
Findlay won the party’s leadership contest on May 30, 2026.
Could British Columbia hold an early election?
Election timing is determined through the province’s constitutional and legislative processes. Findlay referred to election speculation, but no election date was established in her remarks.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, leadership results and Findlay’s current party role were checked against Conservative Party of British Columbia and Legislative Assembly information, with current developments corroborated through contemporaneous reporting.
Disclaimer: The leadership dispute remains fluid, and party membership or caucus numbers may change as events develop.