B.C. Conservative leader says party is ready for snap election

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 27, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

British Columbia’s interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson says his party is now ready to campaign, despite the political turmoil that preceded the province’s snap election.

Doerkson acknowledged that his first days as leader have been demanding after he took over following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation and the party’s internal divisions. But he said the Conservatives have moved quickly to bring members back together.

The leadership change came just days before Premier David Eby called a provincial election for October 24. Doerkson was appointed interim leader, while former leader John Rustad and other Conservative MLAs returned to the caucus following weeks of upheaval.

Doerkson said he has been listening to advice from political figures, including former B.C. premier Christy Clark and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, whom he met at a B.C. Lions game in Vancouver.

The party has also begun filling its slate of candidates. Former Conservative leadership candidate Caroline Elliott will run in West Vancouver-Capilano, while former CentreBC leader Peter Milobar is returning to the Conservatives as a candidate in Kamloops-Centre.

The Conservatives are entering the campaign after a period of significant division. Thirteen MLAs had left or been removed from the caucus under Findlay, while several later returned after her resignation.

Former leader John Rustad, meanwhile, has confirmed that he will not seek re-election in Nechako Lakes after more than two decades in B.C. politics. He has endorsed Doerkson and said the Conservatives should use the election to build a united opposition.

With the October 24 vote now underway, the B.C. Conservatives are attempting to move past their recent leadership struggles and present a unified campaign under Doerkson.