New B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is building her leadership team, hiring a chief of staff and a communications director, but she cannot take her place as official Opposition leader in Victoria without first winning a byelection to become an MLA. Here are three key aspects of her path to the legislature.
Will Findlay Have to Ask an MLA to Step Aside?
Yes, the first step is for an MLA to resign their seat, allowing Premier David Eby to call a byelection. This process mirrors recent federal and provincial examples: Conservative MP Damien Kurek stepped aside in Alberta for party leader Pierre Poilievre, and former B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson gave up his Vancouver-Quilchena seat in 2022 for Kevin Falcon.
UBC political scientist Stewart Prest noted that asking an MLA to resign is delicate. “It is better if an MLA steps up to offer their seat,” he said. Multiple sources told Postmedia that two or three MLAs have offered their seats to Findlay, but no final decision has been made.
Two sources indicated Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner is among those who offered to step aside. Hepner, a former Surrey mayor, narrowly won her seat in 2024 with 49.7% of the vote against NDP candidate Baltej Singh Dhillon’s 47.5%. Prest called this a “great opportunity” for Findlay to run in a battleground riding near her Surrey home, but noted the risk of defeat.
Another possibility is Findlay’s husband, Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, stepping aside. However, Prest said they appear to view themselves as a team at the party’s centre, making that unlikely. “It is going to be a decision to watch closely,” he added, noting internal politics could cause friction if someone else is compelled to step aside instead of Chapman.
What Is the Timing of a Byelection?
Once an MLA resigns, Eby has six months to call a byelection under B.C. law. The Conservatives hope the premier will act quickly, but the timeline is uncertain. Byelection campaigns in B.C. last 28 days, with final results coming at least four days after voting day.
Prest emphasized that the riding choice and timing will be critical for Findlay’s success, as a defeat could undermine her leadership. The decision is expected in the coming weeks.
