--- title: "BC Conservative Leader Calls Caucus Meeting Amidst Party Turmoil" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil" category: "Politics" published: "2026-09-05T02:25:15.113Z" source_reported: "2026-09-05T00:30:00.000Z" updated: "2026-09-05T02:25:15.113Z" trust_score: 86 critic_score: 95 hype_score: 15 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-09-05T03:30:15.999627+00:00" --- # BC Conservative Leader Calls Caucus Meeting Amidst Party Turmoil *Nine MLAs have departed the party, with some forming a new political entity.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 86 of 100, higher is better. Trust high (86) due to named sources, official statement, multiple outlets, specific figures and dates. - Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic high (95) as story gives context, quotes many parties, provides specifics, and outlines next steps. - Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. Hype low (15); language is measured and headline matches article content. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay called a caucus meeting for Friday at 11 a.m. - Nine MLAs have left the B.C. Conservatives this month, with leadership cited as a primary reason. - Five former B.C. Conservative MLAs announced they will form a new party. - Premier David Eby stated that an early election this fall or spring is not ruled out. B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has convened a caucus meeting following a significant number of defections from her party. Nine MLAs have left the B.C. Conservatives this month, with many citing Findlay's leadership as a key factor. Findlay has stated she intends to continue as leader and aims to unite the party. Her chief of staff, Chris Delaney, resigned on Wednesday, and the party's director of operations, Apollo Chung, was fired the previous week. Five former B.C. Conservative MLAs, including Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Á’a:líya Warbus, announced on Friday they will form a new party. This move comes after weeks of upheaval within the official Opposition. Premier David Eby acknowledged on Thursday that the possibility of calling an early election in the fall or spring remains open, stating, "It's an incredibly volatile time. I won't rule anything out." ## Disagreement on party formation Reports differ on the exact number of former B.C. Conservative MLAs involved in forming a new party. CTV News states five former MLAs are forming a new party. Digests from National Observer also mention five former legislators will be part of a new party. ## Omissions in coverage No right-rated outlet ran this story. ## Who covered it Shares of the 37 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 70% (26) - Centre: 30% (11) - Right: 0% (0) 0 of 37 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-05T03:30:15.999627+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-05T03:45:08.244Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated reports focused on the turmoil within the B.C. Conservatives, often framing the situation as an "implosion" or "party in turmoil." Digests from outlets like Caledonia Courier, National Observer, and Barrie Today highlighted the rapid defections, firings, and resignations. Several digests, including those from Rocky Mountain Outlook and Sudbury, noted that former finance critic Peter Milobar quit the official Opposition caucus three weeks prior, preceding a "parade of defections." The formation of a new party by five former legislators was also a key point, with National Observer's digest stating the new party aims to offer a "stable, serious alternative" to the governing NDP. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports also highlighted the significant upheaval within the B.C. Conservatives, with many digests using the phrase "timeline of turmoil." Outlets such as BIV News, Chek news, and Narcity focused on the series of defections following Peter Milobar's departure from the caucus three weeks ago. CTV News, in its full report, detailed B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay's call for a caucus meeting and her statement of intent to remain leader. This report also included Premier David Eby's comments on the possibility of an early election. Digests from City News and Winnipeg Free Press mentioned legislators citing differences with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay over strategy as a reason for leaving. ### Right No separate framing summary. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - high: 25 - unknown: 1 - veryHigh: 11 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [Caledonia Courier](https://caledoniacourier.com/2026/09/04/how-the-b-c-conservatives-went-from-rising-force-to-party-in-turmoil) — How the B.C. Conservatives went from rising force to party in turmoil - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier - [National Observer](https://nationalobserver.com/2026/09/04/news/new-stable-serious-party-will-include-five-former-bc-conservative-legislators) — New 'stable, serious' party will include five former BC Conservative legislators - [Barrie Today](https://barrietoday.com/national-news/no-time-to-waste-for-milobar-as-ex-b-c-conservatives-join-new-party-of-five-mlas-12744810) — No time to waste for Milobar as ex-B. C. Conservatives join new party of five MLAs - [BIV News](https://biv.com/news/no-time-to-waste-for-milobar-as-ex-b-c-conservatives-join-new-party-of-five-mlas-12744813) — No time to waste for Milobar as ex-B. C. Conservatives join new party of five MLAs - [Chek news](https://cheknews.ca/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-1346036) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Narcity](https://narcity.com/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [City News](https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Thorold Today](https://thoroldtoday.ca/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Elora Fergus Today](https://elorafergustoday.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [meadowlakeNOW](https://meadowlakenow.com/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747401) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/national/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Guelph Today](https://guelphtoday.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [CFJC Today Kamloops](https://cfjctoday.com/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/news/national-news/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Timmins Today](https://timminstoday.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [flamboroughtoday.com](https://flamboroughtoday.com/national-news/timeline-of-turmoil-for-bc-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks-12747398) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/canada/british-columbia/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks/article_d7a059be-db68-5a2e-b19c-d9f346a436b7.html) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/canada/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks/article_5085b02d-0b3e-5955-a9a8-9d4842d26181.html) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/canada/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks/article_726a9938-2b4b-5596-a643-c170ce225d74.html) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/news/canada/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks/article_1c5467d5-ca1f-50a4-8c0e-37734d114c13.html) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/canada/2026/09/04/timeline-of-turmoil-for-b-c-conservatives-with-nine-defections-in-three-weeks) — Timeline of turmoil for B.C. Conservatives, with nine defections in three weeks - [Sicamous Eagle Valley News](https://eaglevalleynews.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [Penticton Western News](https://pentictonwesternnews.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [Terrace Standard](https://terracestandard.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [Sooke News Mirror](https://sookenewsmirror.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [The Free Press](https://thefreepress.ca/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [Peninsula News Review](https://peninsulanewsreview.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [Houston Today](https://houston-today.com/2026/09/04/5-former-b-c-conservative-mlas-to-form-new-party-leadership-vote-to-be-held) — 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs to form new party, leadership vote to be held - [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/embattled-bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting) — Embattled B.C. Conservative leader calls caucus meeting - [Ckpg Today](https://ckpgtoday.ca/2026/09/03/conservative-mla-calls-for-change-as-caucus-exodus-continues) — Conservative MLA calls for change as caucus exodus continues ## Questions **Why are so many MLAs leaving the B.C. Conservatives?** Nine MLAs have left the B.C. Conservatives this month. Many have cited B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay as a key reason for their departure, with some indicating differences over strategy. **What is happening with the former B.C. Conservative MLAs?** Five former B.C. Conservative MLAs, including Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Á’a:líya Warbus, have announced they will form a new political party. This comes after a period of significant defections from the party. **Could there be an early provincial election in B.C.?** Premier David Eby has stated that an early election this fall or spring is not ruled out. He described the current political situation as "incredibly volatile" and indicated he would not exclude any possibilities. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "BC Conservative Leader Calls Caucus Meeting Amidst Party Turmoil", https://mediabias.news/politics/bc-conservative-leader-calls-caucus-meeting-amidst-party-turmoil