The British Columbia Conservative Party is set to announce a leadership vote after the removal of John Rustad as party leader. The decision follows internal party disputes and a vote by the party's board to oust Rustad, who had led the party since 2023.
Rustad's ouster came after a period of tension within the party, including disagreements over strategy and direction. The party's board voted to remove him, citing a need for new leadership to rebuild and unify the party ahead of the next provincial election.
The party has not yet set a date for the leadership vote, but it is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Candidates vying for the position will need to meet party requirements, including membership and financial thresholds.
Rustad, a former Liberal MLA, joined the Conservatives in 2022 and became leader in 2023. He led the party through a period of growth, but internal divisions ultimately led to his removal.
The B.C. Conservative Party currently holds no seats in the provincial legislature. The leadership vote will be a key step in determining the party's future direction.
