Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat said Friday she has joined the new political party led by fellow former B.C. Conservative Peter Milobar, bringing the as-yet unnamed party’s total seats in the legislature to six.
Wat is among nine MLAs who have quit the B.C. Conservative caucus in recent weeks amid criticism of Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.
“British Columbians want a strong, credible alternative to the NDP that is focused on affordability, and competent government,” said Wat in a statement. “After careful consideration, I have decided to join Peter and the growing team of sitting MLAs to help build this new party. I believe that this party can bring people together from across our province and replace the NDP as British Columbia’s government.”
Milobar, who is serving as interim leader of the new party, welcomed the four-term MLA and former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister to the team.
“Our team is growing because there is a clear appetite for a serious alternative to the NDP. British Columbians are tired of out of control spending and a government who is responsible for the decline of so many sectors in our province. It’s time for change,” he said.
Wat said on Aug. 26 she had decided to sit as an Independent. Wat said she was leaving the Conservatives because Findlay had not apologized for comments she made in a leaked group chat during her leadership campaign, suggesting Wat was affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
Findlay disputed Wat’s account, saying she had apologized to Wat during a private conversation and had tried to address her concerns before Wat announced her departure.
Former B.C. Conservative MLAs Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman and Áʼa꞉líya Warbus have also joined the new party.
The party said it plans to hold an internal leadership vote before the fall legislative session begins on Oct. 5.
