The B.C. Liberals are down to 41 MLAs after Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart announced he would leave caucus and sit as an independent while he is investigated by Elections B.C.
Elections B.C. said it received a letter from Stewart “in regards to political contributions to the B.C. Liberal Party.”
“We will be reviewing the matter to determine if there are any issues of compliance with the Election Act.”
Stewart’s departure means the Liberals will have the same number of MLAs as the B.C. NDP, which formed government with the support of the three Green MLAs in a confidence and supply agreement.
MLA Darryl Plecas, who was kicked out of the Liberal caucus when he agreed to become Speaker, is also sitting as an independent.
Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick said members of the Liberal caucus were informed of Stewart’s decision on Thursday during a conference call.
“Ben is the one that decided it was best during this period to withdraw from caucus,” said Letnick, who had no advance warning of Stewart’s decision.
“He’ll, I’m sure, be working with Elections B.C. to resolve this as quickly as possible. Then, once it’s resolved, come back to caucus.”
Letnick said he had no knowledge of the specific issue being investigated.
While Stewart sits as an independent, he will continue to serve his constituents.
Letnick said Stewart “continues to hold the confidence” of other MLAs.
“I’ve known Ben for many, many years,” he said. “He’s a man of high integrity, so I’m sure whatever the issue is will be resolved quickly, then he can come back and join caucus.”
Stewart returned to politics last year following a byelection victory. Christy Clark resigned from the seat in 2017. Stewart, who served as an MLA from 2009 to 2013, gave up his seat so Clark could run in the riding after she was defeated in Vancouver-Point Grey.
