Amelia Boultbee, a British Columbia MLA, has left the BC Conservative caucus. She will now sit as an independent member. Boultbee, elected for the Penticton-Summerland district in October, made this announcement on Monday morning.
Departure from BC Conservative Caucus
Amelia Boultbee’s decision to resign stems from her concerns regarding BC Conservative Leader John Rustad. In her statement, she expressed that she has witnessed the “unraveling” of Rustad’s leadership. Boultbee’s concerns included allegations of cheating and dissatisfaction with the conduct observed during caucus meetings.
Concerns Raised by Boultbee
- Accusations of leadership issues and instability within the party.
- Concerns over the treatment of caucus members.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Boultbee stated, “This has all lead me to make the decision to no longer sit on the BC Conservative caucus.”
Rustad’s Response
In response to Boultbee’s departure, John Rustad noted their attempts to assist her during her difficulties within the party. He described her demeanor as “confused and frustrated” during the initial weeks of the session. Rustad mentioned that they had proposed she take a leave of absence to reflect on her future decisions, but she declined the offer.
Internal Turmoil in BC Conservatives
The BC Conservative caucus has been rife with internal conflict following the provincial elections. Recently, two MLAs, Dallas Brodie and Elenore Sturko, were expelled by Rustad. Additionally, two members, Tara Armstrong and Jordan Kealy, have chosen to resign from the party altogether.
The ongoing turmoil emphasizes the challenges facing the BC Conservative caucus as it navigates leadership and unity issues.
