John Rustad has officially resigned as Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia and as Leader of the Official Opposition, days after being ousted by a caucus vote.
Rustad’s departure comes after a turbulent period within the BC Conservative Party, marked by internal divisions and defections. On Wednesday, December 3, the party’s caucus voted to remove Rustad from leadership, with 20 of the 39 MLAs reportedly supporting the move. Despite the vote, Rustad initially refused to step aside, citing his continued mandate as the Official Opposition leader in the legislature. Interim leadership was handed to Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford while a leadership race is organized.
In his resignation statement, Rustad reflected on his tenure, noting that when he began leading the party, it had not elected an MLA since 1975. “We started with very little, but we built a movement grounded in common sense, hard work, and love of this province. Together, we came within one seat of forming government,” he said, crediting MLAs, volunteers, donors, and supporters for the party’s growth.
Rustad highlighted the party’s advocacy for safe streets, affordable living, private property, and resource jobs. He also criticized the NDP government for its handling of B.C.’s economy, citing the recent loss of 350 jobs at the Crofton Pulp Mill as an example of challenges facing working families.
Addressing party members, Rustad emphasized that his resignation was voluntary and not the result of a hostile takeover by BC Liberals. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to electing a conservative government and encouraged supporters to continue working toward that goal.
The ouster reflected deeper tensions within the party over Rustad’s leadership style and direction. Over the past year, several MLAs either left the party or were ejected, citing disagreements with Rustad’s approach to social and fiscal issues. Earlier in the year, Rustad survived a leadership review with just over 70% support from members, though turnout was low. Critics argued that Rustad struggled to balance the party’s hard-right base with more centrist members, particularly after the collapse of the BC United party and the integration of its candidates into the Conservative ranks.
Rustad thanked his wife, staff, and the people of British Columbia for their support during his tenure. He said he will continue to support the party’s MLAs as they hold the NDP government to account.
With Rustad’s resignation, the BC Conservatives now face a leadership race and a period of transition as they seek to consolidate their caucus and define their path forward.
