New B.C. Conservative leader names interim opposition leader

6/30/2026

B.C. Conservative caucus shakeup follows Kerry-Lynne Findlay's leadership win New interim opposition leader and fresh appointments aim to sharpen government pressure

New B.C. Conservative leader KerryLynne Findlay has made her first major caucus appointments after taking over the party on May 30. Heather Maahs, the MLA for Chilliwack North, has been named interim leader of the Official Opposition, replacing Trevor Halford. Findlay does not currently hold a seat in the legislature, so an MLA is needed to handle caucus duties such as question period. She also appointed Sheldon Clare as house leader and gave new roles to several MLAs who supported her leadership campaign, including Anna Kindy, Steve Kooner and Macklin McCall. The changes have drawn criticism from some opponents. Independent MLA Elenore Sturko said the new team does not reflect an inclusive “big tent” approach, while NDP caucus chair Garry Begg argued that Findlay has promoted more hardline voices within the party. Findlay said in a statement that her goal is to build a unified team that can hold the government to account.