Reann Gasper to resign as MLA, opening a path to the legislature for Kerry-Lynne Findlay

3 days ago 3

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Kerry-Lynne Findlay has faced a number of questions since being elected leader of the B.C. Conservative Party in May: What will she do if she becomes premier?Can she unite the Conservative caucus?

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But one very practical consideration has loomed large.

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For Findlay to take her place in the legislature as the leader of the official Opposition, she first needs to become an MLA.

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On Saturday, B.C. Conservative deputy whip Reann Gasper announced she will step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, opening a seat for Findlay to seek in an upcoming byelection.

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Gasper says she has “confidence” in Findlay’s leadership and ability to represent the riding, as well as the party and the province as a whole.

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“Ultimately, we have a bigger objective: We need to defeat the NDP and form government,” Gasper said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “That requires us to make decisions that put the strength of our team and our ability to win first. I believe this is one of those decisions.”

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Now that Gasper is stepping down, Premier David Eby has six months to call a byelection. The campaign will last for 28 days, with the final count coming at least four days after election day.

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Findlay says her priority now is to “earn the trust of the people of Abbotsford-Mission” as she prepares for the byelection.

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“Reann has made a thoughtful decision that puts the interests of our party, our province and our shared goal of forming government first,” Findlay said in a statement.

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In 2024, Gasper won her seat with 55 per cent of the vote in Abbotsford-Mission, defeating NDP candidate Pam Alexis by approximately 2500 votes.

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The riding was held by the provincial Liberal party from 2009 to 2020, by the NDP from 2020 to 2024, and by Gasper for the Conservatives since then.

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Both Gasper and Findlay say Gasper will continue to work closely with the B.C. Conservative party in the months ahead.

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— With files from Alec Lazenby

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