Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart removes himself from B.C. Liberals caucus

Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart has voluntarily stepped away from the BC Liberals caucus.

“Sorry to advise that I voluntarily left BC Liberal caucus last evening while Elections BC rules on a request I sent them to investigate an irregular donation under new election financing rules,” Stewart wrote in a text message.

“Have to sit out of caucus till EBC rules on the matter. I’m confident there is no wrong doing and this is purely an administrative matter.”

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Stewart sent a letter to Elections BC on Thursday afternoon. Elections BC will be reviewing the matter to determine if there are any issues of compliance with the Election Act.

The BC Liberals would not elaborate on what issue is being looked into.

Stewart will serve as an independent and will be welcomed back into the Liberal caucus if the situation is resolved.

Stewart served as an MLA from 2009 to 2013. He left after being appointed by then Premier Christy Clark as BC Special Representative in Asia. Clark ran to replace Stewart in the riding and won.

Stewart returned to politics last year following a byelection victory after Clark resigned as B.C. Liberal leader and left politics.