Singing the Independent blues - Peace River North MLA says he's out

A party lost, repeated instances of disrespect, abuse, and dishonesty - and that's just within the new BC Conservative team, says Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy.

Kealy says he has decided he will now sit as an independent in Legislature representing the North Peace - following the removal of Dallas Brodie from the BC Conservative Party.

Kealy says on his social media he stood up for his fellow MLA who had been harassed for speaking the truth - which he says in turn inadvertently made himself a target within the B.C. Conservative party. Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie was removed from caucus by B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad on Friday, March 7th for mocking residential school survivors during a podcast appearance.

Shortly after Brodie was removed from caucus, Kealy and Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream MLA Tara Armstrong announced their departure from the party in support of Brodie. Kealy stated his decision to leave the party was the result of repeated instances of disrespect, abuse, and dishonesty within the party, saying the BC Conservatives have lost their way.

“I’m a real conservative, and I don’t believe anyone should be bullied—no matter their background, beliefs, race, sexual orientation, or abilities. Bullies have no place in leadership,” said Kealy on his social media. “I’ll be a champion for my community, with or without a party.”

MLA Kealy acknowledged the painful history of residential schools and the injustices faced by First Nations, but according to his post the B.C. Conservative Party was “eating itself alive”, and he had lost faith in John Rustad as a leader.

“People don’t want fake, scripted politicians. They want real, honest leadership. That’s what I stand for, and that’s what I’ll keep fighting for,” posted Kealy

“Looking ahead, I believe there is an opportunity for a new party—one built on integrity, respect, and true conservative values. I believe there is a future for a true conservative movement—under a different name—that can welcome disenfranchised MLAs who still believe in honesty and principled leadership. We have three and a half years to build that party, grow our movement, and fundraise in ways the BC Conservatives could never imagine.”

While two seats are needed for official party status in the B.C. legislature, Kealy has doubled down on the idea for a new “true conservative” party under a different name.

The new party, which he stated had three and half years to be built, would welcome disenfranchised MLAs who still believe in honesty and principled leadership. The Conservatives will be down to 41 seats with the removal of Brodie and exodus of Kealy and Armstrong.