2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election

2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election

←  2023 May 30, 2026

Incumbent leader Trevor Halford (interim)

2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election

Date	May 30, 2026
Resigning leader	John Rustad
Won by	TBD
Candidates	6
Entrance fee	$115,000
Spending limit	$2,000,000
Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership elections 1900 1903 1915 1926 1938 1946 1952 1963 1969 1971 1973 1977 1980 1985 1991 1997 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2011 2014 2019 2023 2026

In 2026, the Conservative Party of British Columbia will hold a leadership election to choose a permanent leader to replace Trevor Halford, who became leader on an interim basis following the resignation of John Rustad. Rustad announced his resignation after a caucus revolt and internal party disputes on December 4, 2025. ^{[1] [2]}

Background

Rustad, who was acclaimed leader in 2023, led his party into the 2024 British Columbia general election as the principal opposition party following BC United's decision to suspend its campaign and endorse Rustad's party. Preceding this, several BC United MLAs had defected to the Conservatives as opinion polls showed the party, which had no representation in the Legislative Assembly in decades, gaining momentum. The Conservatives won 44 seats, the party's best showing in over 70 years; the party hadn't won more than two seats in an election since 1953. On November 20, Rustad established his Official Opposition Shadow Cabinet, in which every Conservative MLA received a portfolio. ^[3] Following the election, Rustad passed his leadership review with 70.66% support in 2025. His leadership in Opposition was marked by internal strife, with the departures and expulsions of many MLAs and the formation of a splinter party named OneBC.

On December 3, 2025, 20 caucus members signed a letter calling for Rustad to resign his position as leader. The party's board of directors passed a resolution ousting him as leader, and appointed Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader. In a statement, the party said that Rustad was too "professionally incapacitated" to continue as leader. ^[4] However, in the immediate aftermath, five Conservative MLAs refused to acknowledge the board's decision and said that Rustad remained party leader, ^[5] and Rustad himself rejected the board's decision and declared that he was still the leader of the party. The next day, the Western Standard reported that Rustad would step down as leader, and shortly after he announced his resignation. ^[6] During his resignation speech, he announced that he would also not stand for re-election at the next election. ^{[7] [8]}

Rules

Candidates must pay a $5,000 application fee, a mandatory $20,000 refundable rules compliance deposit, and a total of $110,000 in non-refundable fees to remain in the race. The deadline to submit candidacy applications is February 15; they must contain 250 member signatures from at least five of the province's regions. Once approved, candidates must pay a second $10,000 fee, followed by $40,000 by April 1, and $60,000 by April 18. Memberships must be purchased by April 18 to be eligible to vote. There will be a $2,000,000 spending limit, with 20% of all monthly donations going to the party. The election itself will be held using a weighted electoral district system, with each provincial riding allocated 100 points; ridings with fewer than 100 ballots will be allocated points equal to the number of votes cast. The winner must receive more than 50% of the vote, as there will be candidate eliminations in every round of counting held. ^[9]

Timeline

2025

• December 3 – The party's board of directors passes a resolution ousting John Rustad as leader, and appoints Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader. Rustad rejects the board's decision and declares himself still the leader of the party. ^[2]
• December 4 – Rustad announces his resignation as party leader, and Halford officially becomes interim leader. ^[1]
• December 15 – Businessman Warren Hamm announces his candidacy. ^[10]

2026

• January 3 – The leadership election organizing committee, the body that governs the contest, is formed. ^[11]
• January 6 – Businessman Yuri Fulmer announces his candidacy. ^[12]
• January 8 – MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo Sheldon Clare announces his candidacy. ^[13]
• January 13 – Former BC United vice-president Caroline Elliott announces her candidacy. ^[14]
• January 15 – Former MLA for Port Moody-Westwood Iain Black announces his candidacy. ^[15]
• January 16 – Party announces leadership race date for May 30 and the rules of the race. ^[16] MLA for Kamloops Centre Peter Milobar announces his candidacy. ^[17]

Candidates

Declared

Candidate	Experience	Announcement date	Campaign	Ref.
Iain Black	Minister of Labour and Citizens Services (2008–2011) MLA for Port Moody-Westwood (2005–2011) 2025 federal Conservative candidate in Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam	January 15, 2026	Endorsements Website	[18] [15] [19]
Sheldon Clare	MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo (2024–present)	January 8, 2026	Website	[20] [21]
Caroline Elliott	Political commentator Former BC United vice-president Withdrawn BC United candidate for West Vancouver-Capilano in 2024	January 13, 2026	Website	[14] [22]
Yuri Fulmer	Businessman Chancellor of Capilano University (2020–present) 2024 BC Conservative candidate in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky	January 6, 2026	Endorsements Website	[12] [23]
Warren Hamm	Businessman Political advocate	December 15, 2025		[10] [24]
Peter Milobar	MLA for Kamloops Centre (2024–present) MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson (2017–2024) Mayor of Kamloops (2008–2017)	January 16, 2026	Website

Publicly expressed interest

• Harman Bhangu, MLA for Langley-Abbotsford (2024–present) ^[25]
• Kerry-Lynne Findlay, federal Chief Opposition Whip (2023–2025), MP for South Surrey—White Rock (2019–2025), and MP for Delta—Richmond East (2011–2015) ^{[26] [27]}
• Darrell Jones, former president of the Pattison Food Group ^[28]

Potential

• James Moore, MP for Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam (2000–2015), federal cabinet minister (2008–2015) ^{[29] [30]}
• Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (2013–2017), MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson (2013–2024) ^{[29] [30]}
• Andrew Wilkinson, BC Liberal leader (2018–2020) ^{[29] [30]}

Declined

• Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia (2011–2017), Deputy Premier of British Columbia (2001–2004) ^[31]
• Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission (2024–present) ^[32]
• Chris Gardner, President and CEO of Independent Contractors and Businesses Association. ^[33]
• Kiel Giddens, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie (2024–present) ^[34]
• Aaron Gunn, MP for North Island—Powell River (2025–present) ^{[35] [36]}
• Trevor Halford, MLA for Surrey-White Rock, interim leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia (2025–present) ^[37]
• Ellis Ross, MP for Skeena—Bulkley Valley (2025–present), MLA for Skeena (2017–2024) ^[38]
• Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale (2024–present), MLA for Surrey South (2022–2024) (sits as an independent in the legislature) ^[39]
• Dianne Watts, MP for South Surrey—White Rock (2015–2017), Mayor of Surrey (2005–2014), Surrey City Councillor (1996–2005) (endorsed Black) ^{[40] [41]}
• Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam (2018–present) ^{[42] [ better source needed ]}

Endorsements

Iain Black

Provincial politicians

• Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond-Bridgeport (2013–present) ^{[43] [44]}

Federal politicians

• Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford (2006–2025) ^[45]
• Dianne Watts, MP for South Surrey—White Rock (2015–2017), Mayor of Surrey (2005–2014) ^{[46] [47]}

Opinion polling

Conservative Party supporters

Polling source	Link	Date(s) administered	Sample size	Margin of error	Iain Black	Caroline Elliott	Yuri Fulmer	Kerry-Lynne Findlay	Aaron Gunn	Peter Milobar	Other/ Undecided
		December 24, 2025	Gunn declines to run
Mainstreet Research	[48]	December 17–18, 2025	1,902	–	4%	1%	1%	1%	18%	6%	Other 3% Undecided 66%
Pallas Data	[49]	December 11–13, 2025	923	–	1%	8%	1%	10%	23%	8%	Other 4% Undecided 44%

References

1. Shaw, Rob (December 6, 2025). "Interim leader appointment signals 'new chapter,' say Conservative MLAs". Northern Beat. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
2. Depne, Wolfgang (December 3, 2025). "John Rustad removed as B.C. Conservatives' leader, party says, but Rustad says not true". Global News . Retrieved December 4, 2025.
3. "John Rustad Announces Conservative Party of British Columbia Shadow Cabinet". Conservative Caucus of British Columbia . November 20, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2025.
4. "B.C. Conservatives say 'professionally incapacitated' Rustad removed as leader". Times Colonist. December 3, 2025. Retrieved December 3, 2025.
5. @RobShaw_BC (December 3, 2025). "So far, MLAs Gaspar, Toor, Hartwell, Lowan and Neufeld refuse to recognize party move and say @JohnRustad4BC remains leader of Conservatives. Around a dozen walked behind @TrevHal in a show of support into house. Others say they don't know what's going on" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
6. Jäger, Jarryd (December 4, 2025). "Exclusive: Rustad to step down as BC Conservative leader". Western Standard. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
7. "B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad announces resignation". CBC News . December 4, 2025. Retrieved December 4, 2025.
8. Fagan, Emily (December 4, 2025). "New leader likely chosen within 6 months: Estey". CBC News .
9. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-conservative-leadership-race-may-30-9.7049506
10. Bailey, Jim (December 15, 2025). "West Kootenay advocate ready to lead B.C. Conservative Party". Castlegar News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
11. "Conservative Party of BC Establishes Leadership Election Organizing Committee". Conservative Party of British Columbia . January 3, 2026. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
12. Fulmer, Yuri (January 7, 2025). "I'm running to be the next Premier of British Columbia". X . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
13. Press, Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian (January 8, 2026). "Northern MLA Sheldon Clare says he is running for B.C. Conservative leadership". CHEK. Retrieved January 12, 2026.
14. Charlebois, Brieanna (January 13, 2026). "'I'm in': Caroline Elliott confirms run for B.C. Conservative leadership". The Canadian Press . Retrieved January 13, 2026.
15. "Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race". The Canadian Press . January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
16. bcconservative (January 17, 2026). "Conservative Party of BC Launches Leadership Race". Conservative Party of British Columbia. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
17. "Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar makes bid for B.C. Conservative leadership". Agassiz Harrison Observer. January 16, 2026. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
18. Black, Iain (January 14, 2026). "Get BC Back on Track". X . Retrieved January 13, 2026.
19. none (January 15, 2026). "Former B.C. Liberal minister Iain Black enters B.C. Conservative leadership race". 100 Mile Free Press. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
20. Depner, Wolfgang (January 8, 2026). "Northern MLA Sheldon Clare says he is running for B.C. Conservative leadership". CHEK News . Retrieved January 9, 2026.
21. Clare, Sheldon (January 8, 2026). "And away we go". X . Retrieved January 9, 2025.
22. Palmer, Vaughn (January 13, 2026). "'Radical reconciliation' critic Caroline Elliott seeks to head B.C. Conservatives". Vancouver Sun . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
23. McElroy, Justin (January 6, 2025). "Businessman Yuri Fulmer announces prospective candidacy to lead B.C. Conservatives". CBC News . Retrieved January 7, 2025.
24. Hamm, Warren (December 23, 2025). "Look forward to the debates". X . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
25. Depner, Wolfgang (December 30, 2025). "Harman Bhangu says he will 'most likely' run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives". The Canadian Press . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
26. Baker, Rochelle (December 13, 2025). "BC Conservative leadership bids cropping up, but party politics remain perilous". CHEK News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
27. Leslie, Tricia (December 12, 2025). "Former Harper cabinet minister will 'wait and see' about BC Conservative leadership". Kelowna Capital News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
28. Depner, Wolfgang (December 15, 2025). "Former grocery executive Darrell Jones considers run for B.C. Conservative leadership". CTV News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
29. Canseco, Mario (November 13, 2025). "British Columbians Assess Options for BC Conservatives". Research Co. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
30. Canseco, Mario (November 13, 2025). "BC Conservatives stuck searching for a leader who can win, poll shows". North Shore News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
31. Depner, Wolfgang (December 10, 2025). "B.C. Conservatives cannot be 'kooky' if they want to be elected, says former premier Christy Clark". The Globe and Mail . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
32. Depner, Wolfgang (December 17, 2025). "Dew won't seek B.C. Conservative leadership, says party can't chase 'squirrels'". CTV News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
33. Jäger, Jarryd (January 14, 2026). "Chris Gardner exits BC Conservative leadership race due to cancer diagnosis". Western Standard. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
34. Giddens, Kiel (December 18, 2025). "Kiel Giddens says he won't run". X . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
35. Gunn, Aaron (December 24, 2025). "My official statement on the BC Conservative leadership race". X . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
36. Depner, Wolfgang (December 24, 2025). "Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn says he won't run for Conservative leadership". Global News . Retrieved December 24, 2025.
37. Steacy, Lisa (December 5, 2025). "John Rustad resigns as B.C. Conservative leader". CTV News . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
38. Ross, Ellis (December 10, 2025). "BC Conservative Leadership Race". Facebook . Retrieved December 12, 2025.
39. Page, Mark (December 10, 2025). "Elenore Sturko says she will not run for B.C. Conservative leadership". Langley Advance Times . Retrieved December 10, 2025.
40. Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Former Surrey mayor @DianneWatts4BC endorses @iainblackbc for BC Conservative leader". X . Retrieved January 15, 2025.
41. Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
42. Smyth, Mike (December 8, 2025). "Brad West says he won't run". X . Retrieved January 4, 2026.
43. Wat, Teresa (January 15, 2026). "Proud to support Iain Black as the next Leader of the Conservative Party of BC and Premier". X . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
44. Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
45. Page, Mark (January 15, 2026). "Former B.C. Liberal minister Iain Black enters B.C. Conservative leadership race". Surrey Now-Leader . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
46. Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard . Retrieved January 15, 2026.
47. Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Former Surrey mayor @DianneWatts4BC endorses @iainblackbc for BC Conservative leader". X . Retrieved January 15, 2025.
48. "Mainstreet Research Survey - British Columbia" (PDF). Mainstreet Research . December 22, 2025.
49. "British Columbia Provincial Voting Intentions, Opinions On Potential BC Conservative Leadership Candidates" (PDF). Pallas Data. December 16, 2025. Retrieved December 23, 2025.