Ex-BC Conservatives candidate throws support behind former BC United rival in Kelowna

Former BC Conservatives candidate Alexandra Wright has said she is no longer planning to run as an independent in Kelowna–Mission.

Wright, a farmer and businesswoman, was replaced by the party last month, with former BC Liberals leadership candidate Gavin Dew taking her spot.

Given the drama of recent days – with BC United pulling out of the election and the BC Conservatives pledging to shake up their slate of candidates – it’s not sure whether Dew will retain his nomination.

Wright, who has claimed the BC Conservatives still owe her money, told NowMedia in August she was considering going it alone.

Now, though, those plans have been shelved.

“I think it's just too rushed,” she told video host Jim Csek on Thursday. “I think, unfortunately, the voters just don't have that appetite right now for thinking outside of the box.”

But she won’t be supporting the party that dumped her so unceremoniously on Aug. 9.

Instead, she intends to back Ashley Ramsay, who was set to be her BC United opponent in the riding until Kevin Falcon decided to clear the way for the BC Conservatives last month.

Despite previously thinking she had “fundamental differences” with BC United, Wright said Ramsay has her “full support,” adding: “She has a lot of integrity, she's built this community up, and she really seems to care about her voters and her constituents.”

Ramsay announced on Wednesday that she will be running as an independent, telling NowMedia she would refuse an offer to join the BC Conservatives.

But as for her own political career, Wright said that period of her life is finished. “I’ve had my last attack on Twitter,” she said, apparently alluding to the social media storm that preceded her removal from the BC Conservatives.

“I was pretty stressed out the last couple of weeks and I just felt really betrayed, and that's not a good headspace to be in, so I'm feeling much better now,” she added.

The election is set for Oct. 19.