The former president of the B.C. Conservative Party disclosed being among a group of individuals, which included four MLAs, who were reportedly under scrutiny by a private investigator allegedly engaged by the party’s former executive director. Mauro Francis, the party’s president, has been informing those on the list about the investigative actions taken against them. According to Francis, the former executive director, Elaine Allan, without proper authorization, utilized party funds to hire an investigator to delve into their activities. A communication from Francis revealed the existence of the private investigator. Aisha Estey, the former party president, expressed shock at the situation, questioning whether she was physically followed or investigated online during her tenure. The list of individuals targeted by the investigator encompasses several MLAs, former party executives, and other related figures.
One of the MLAs, Rosalyn Bird, shared that she was contacted by the party and informed about the involvement of a private investigator hired by Elaine Allan to probe into her and others. Bird, who later left the party to become an Independent, expressed deep disappointment upon learning about the investigator’s actions. Claire Rattée, an MLA, raised concerns about potential privacy violations due to the investigator’s activities. Brennan Day, another MLA, mentioned exploring legal options in response to the situation.
Following a speech at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference, Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay addressed the allegations, stating she had no prior knowledge of the investigator’s actions. The party source revealed that the investigator was tasked with identifying individuals associated with a social media account known as The Findlay Files, which had been making damaging claims against Findlay and other party officials. The existence of the investigator came to light when seeking payment for services rendered.
Elaine Allan, who is said to be a close ally of Findlay, was appointed as executive director after a previous official resigned. Allan was suspended from her position in late August. Estey criticized Findlay for purportedly being unaware of the actions of her close associates in leadership roles. The issue led to a tense caucus meeting where some members called for Findlay’s resignation amid growing division within the party. Despite the internal challenges, Findlay asserted determination, emphasizing the party’s readiness for a potential snap fall election called by Premier David Eby.
