B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has made public his resignation while confirming his intention to continue serving as an MLA. This announcement follows the recent removal of Rustad as leader by the party’s board, a decision initially refuted by Rustad.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Rustad shared that after consulting with close associates, he decided against prolonging his leadership, fearing a divisive internal conflict within the party. He expressed his disappointment but reiterated his commitment to the party and the province, urging the caucus to unify and concentrate on advancement.
While Rustad plans to support the party in finding a new leader in his capacity as an MLA, he disclosed that he does not intend to seek re-election in the upcoming provincial polls. The Conservative Caucus of B.C. formally declared a lack of confidence in Rustad, leading to his removal as the Official Opposition leader. The development came after a period of turbulence within the party, marked by resignations and expulsions of multiple MLAs, along with mounting demands for Rustad’s resignation.
The tipping point occurred when a significant portion of the caucus, comprising 20 out of 39 members, signed a letter expressing a loss of faith in Rustad’s leadership. The party’s board justified Rustad’s ousting on grounds of being “professionally incapacitated,” one of the prescribed methods for leader removal as per the Conservative Party’s constitution.
Despite previously receiving substantial support in a leadership review with almost 71% backing, Rustad contended that the party’s constitution stipulates that the next leader should be chosen by party management and not the caucus. Trevor Halford was appointed as the interim leader following a caucus vote, as confirmed by the party.
Rustad downplayed the leadership transition, characterizing it as a routine aspect of politics. He credited his belief in the B.C. Conservatives’ potential to form the next government for propelling the party’s growth from a solitary MLA to the official opposition with 39 MLAs.
Reflecting on his political journey, Rustad recounted a poignant moment during the 2024 election campaign when a supporter gifted him a painted rock inscribed with the word “believe.” He emotionally recounted his path from expulsion from the B.C. Liberal party to advocating for policy changes as the official opposition leader, emphasizing his enduring belief in the party’s mission and accomplishments.