British Columbia United MLA Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South) has decided to join the Conservatives to better represent his community and constituents. .“I know first hand that the Conservative Party of British Columbia is the only party that stands for what’s right in the legislature, rather than what’s politically convenient or politically correct,” said Banman in a Wednesday statement. .“As a Conservative MLA, I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to speak honestly and openly on behalf of my constituents.” .Banman said he is “proud to join my friend John Rustad as the voice for everyday hardworking people in British Columbia’s Legislature.” .He added the Conservatives have common sense. This is because it does not support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies such as the carbon tax, refuses to condone the BC NDP’s education agenda that teaches students what to think rather than how to think and will never support safe supply. .With all of the problems BC is going through, he said it “needs a leader who is a straight-up decent human being — and a party that’s willing to put politics aside to stand for what’s right.” .After watching Rustad fight for everyday British Columbians in the BC Legislature and across the province, he has come to believe in he and the Conservatives. .Banman concluded by encouraging British Columbians who are looking for real change to join him by taking out a membership. .“Together, as British Columbians — let’s stand for what’s right,” he said. .Rustad sat as an Independent since he was axed from BC United, but he joined the Conservatives in February. .READ MORE: 'We have to encourage debate, not limit it': Axed BC Liberal joins Conservatives.This meant a Conservative MLA would sit in the legislature for the first time in more than a decade — the last being in 2012. .United booted him from its caucus due to social media posts he made about anthropogenic climate change..The Conservatives would have the second largest share of the popular vote among decided voters if an election were held today, according to a Friday poll conducted by Mainstreet Research. .READ MORE: Poll finds BC Conservatives surge by 25 points.It would receive 27% of decided voters — an increase of 25% from one year ago. Continuing the trend of being in first place would be the NDP (35%), but it has dropped 13% in the last year. .Subsequent to the Conservatives would be United (22%). This was followed by the Greens (13%) and another party (4%).
