The former president of the B.C. Conservative Party disclosed being among a group of approximately twelve individuals, including four MLAs, who were reportedly under scrutiny by a private investigator allegedly commissioned by the party’s former executive director. Mauro Francis, the B.C. Conservative Party president, has been personally contacting those on the list to inform them of the investigation conducted by the unauthorized hiring of the investigator using party funds by former executive director Elaine Allan. Aisha Estey, who served as party president until August 20, expressed shock over the situation, questioning whether she was physically followed or subject to an online inquiry during the investigator’s operational period while she held the presidency.
The individuals on the list include MLAs Claire Rattée, Rosalyn Bird, Brennan Day, A’aliya Warbus, Amelia Boultbee, former party executive director Angelo Isidorou, the party’s former managing director Philip Dippenaar, NDP staffer Matt Hannah, Mandeep Dhaliwal, and Jonathan Ross. Rosalyn Bird revealed that the party informed her that a private investigator had been hired by Elaine Allan to probe her and eleven others. Bird, who departed the caucus on August 25, indicated that the investigator seemed to be looking into the MLAs before their transition to Independents, leaving her deeply disappointed.
The alleged hiring of the private investigator has prompted legal considerations from MLA Brennan Day, who represents Courtenay-Comox. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, addressing the allegations during a news conference at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference, mentioned that the party is investigating the matter. The private investigator’s employment was purportedly linked to uncovering the individuals behind a contentious social media account called The Findlay Files, which has made damaging allegations against Findlay and other senior B.C. Conservative staffers.
CBC News has not independently verified the reasons for hiring the private investigator or confirmed that Elaine Allan was the sole individual aware of the investigation. The revelation of the investigator’s existence emerged when the individual sought payment for their services from the party. A source within the B.C. Conservative party, privy to the situation, indicated that Elaine Allan, a close associate of Findlay’s, was appointed as executive director in early August following Angelo Isidorou’s resignation but was later suspended from the role.
The issue was raised at a contentious caucus meeting in Vancouver, where two MLAs urged Findlay to step down. Amid growing speculation of a potential fall election called by Premier David Eby, Findlay emphasized the party’s readiness and unity despite internal challenges.