Independent MLA Jordan Kealy has been charged with one count of sexual assault by the B.C. Prosecution Service, with alleged offences occurring between January and September 2024 — before he was elected. Kealy denies the accusation, saying he is innocent and will prove it in court, while vowing to continue his work as MLA for Peace River North.. The charges, announced June 4,2026, come after Kealy was removed from the Conservative Party of B .C. caucus and amid his recent hints at rejoining under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

The alleged offences date to 2024 – before Kealy was even elected

According to the B.C. Prosecution Service, Kealy was charged on June 3 for offences that allegedly took place between January 1 and September 20, 2024. That period predates the October 2024 provincial election in which Kealy won his seat. In a statement to Black Press Media, Kealy said: "I am innocent of the accusation against me and will prove that in court. In the meantime, it will be business as usual, advocating for my constituents and region." The timing means the alleged conduct occurred while Kealy was a private citizen, not yet a public official, but the charges now directly affect his political standing.

A special prosecutor and a caucus expulsion: early warning signs

The B.C. Prosecution Service appointed Gail Barnes as a special prosecutor on February 9, 2026, citing "the nature of the allegations and the identity of the accused as an elected public official." The service said the appointment was intended to avoid any potential for real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice. Special prosecutors are rare in B.C. and typically reserved for cases with a high risk of political interference — a signal that prosecutors took both the allegation and Kealy's role seriously, as the report notes. Kealy had already been removed from the Conservative Party caucus following the earlier expulsion of Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie, and has sat as an Independent since then.

NDP's Jennifer Whiteside demands resignation as second concern emerges

NDP MLA Jennifer Whiteside responded by saying her thoughts are with the complainant and with all survivors of sexual assault. She called on Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to tell Kealy to step down immediately. "She enthusiastically accepted his support throughout the leadership race, including standing on stage with him just days ago," Whiteside said, as reported by Black Press Media. Whiteside also noted that this is the second time in recent months an MLA has been charged without disclosing it to the public during the investigation. She argued it is "inappropriate for someone facing serious criminal charges to continue serving as an MLA." The B.C. prosecution Service has stateed it will release no further information at this time.

What the new Conservative leader has not addressed

Kerry-Lynne Findlay was elected leader of the Conservative Party of B.C . on May 30, 2026. After the vote, she told media she had been in discussions with conservative Independents about their possible return to the caucus, but would confer with caucus first. Kealy himself posted on X after attending the leadership convention that "this might just be the end of me being an independent and coming back to the party!" Findlay has not yet commented publicly on whether Kealy's charges affect those discussions, according to the report. What remains unclear is whether Kealy will formally apply to rejoin the Conservative caucus and how Findlay will respond. The identity of the complainant and the specific circumstances of the alleged assault have not been released, and the allegations remain unproven in court.