2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election

2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election
May 30, 2026
Incumbent leader

Trevor Halford (interim)


2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election
DateMay 30, 2026
Resigning leaderJohn Rustad
Won byTBD
Candidates10
Entrance fee$115,000
Spending limit$2,000,000

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. 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. In order to be eligible to vote members must sign up by April 18. Members must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada normally residing in the Province of British Columbia and at least 14 years of age.[9][10]

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.[11]

2026

Candidates

Declared

Candidate Experience Announcement date Slogan Campaign Ref.
Bruce Banman
  • Caucus whip of the Conservative Party of British Columbia (2024–2025)
  • MLA for Abbotsford South (2020–present)
  • City Councillor in Abbotsford (2018–2021)
  • Mayor of Abbotsford (2011–2014)
 February 2, 2026 "Conservative Without Apology" Website [23]
Iain Black January 15, 2026 "Get BC Back on Track" Endorsements
Website 		[24][16][25]

Sheldon Clare

January 8, 2026 "It's Clear – It's Clare" Website [26][27]
Caroline Elliott January 13, 2026 "Win For BC" Website [15][28]

Kerry-Lynne Findlay 		January 29, 2026 "More Freedom Less Government!" Website [20]

Yuri Fulmer 		January 6, 2026 "Real Leadership" Endorsements
Website 		[13][29]
Warren Hamm
  • Businessman
  • Political advocate
 December 15, 2025 Website [11][30]
Darrell Jones January 27, 2026 Website [31][19]

Steve Kooner 		February 3, 2026 "Bring Back BC" Website [32]

Peter Milobar 		January 16, 2026 "Ready to Lead BC" Website [33][34]

Publicly expressed interest

Declined

Endorsements

Iain Black
Provincial politicians
Former provincial politicians
Former federal politicians
Yuri Fulmer
Former provincial politicians
Municipal politicians

Warren Hamm

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 Darrell Jones Peter Milobar Other/

Undecided

December 24, 2025 Gunn declines to run
Mainstreet Research [63] December 17–18, 2025 1,902 – 4% 1% 1% 1% 18% – 6% Other 3%
Undecided 66%
Pallas Data [64] December 11–13, 2025 923 – 1% 8% 1% 10% 23% – 8% Other 4%

Undecided 44%

References

  1. ^ a b Shaw, Rob (December 6, 2025). "Interim leader appointment signals 'new chapter,' say Conservative MLAs". Northern Beat. Retrieved December 9, 2025.
  2. ^ a b 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. ^ "Approved B.C. Conservative leadership candidates must pay $110K in fees". CBC News.
  10. ^ "Membership". Conservative Party of British Columbia. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  11. ^ a b Bailey, Jim (December 15, 2025). "West Kootenay advocate ready to lead B.C. Conservative Party". Castlegar News. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  12. ^ "Conservative Party of BC Establishes Leadership Election Organizing Committee". Conservative Party of British Columbia. January 3, 2026. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  13. ^ a b Fulmer, Yuri (January 7, 2025). "I'm running to be the next Premier of British Columbia". X. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  14. ^ 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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b Charlebois, Brieanna (January 13, 2026). "'I'm in': Caroline Elliott confirms run for B.C. Conservative leadership". The Canadian Press. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  16. ^ a b "Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race". The Canadian Press. January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  17. ^ bcconservative (January 17, 2026). "Conservative Party of BC Launches Leadership Race". Conservative Party of British Columbia. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  18. ^ "Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar makes bid for B.C. Conservative leadership". Agassiz Harrison Observer. January 16, 2026. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
  19. ^ a b Press, The Canadian (January 27, 2026). "Darrell Jones says B.C. at a crossroads as he runs for Conservative leadership". CTVNews. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  20. ^ a b Findlay, Kerry-lynne (January 29, 2026). "Today I announce im running". twitter.
  21. ^ Banman, Bruce (February 5, 2026). "Im running for Conservative leader". Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^ Kooner, Steve (February 3, 2026). "I am running to bring back BC". Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ "Vaughn Palmer: Eyeing B.C. Conservative leadership run, Bruce Banman seeks party unity". vancouversun. Archived from the original on January 30, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  24. ^ Black, Iain (January 14, 2026). "Get BC Back on Track". X. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ Depner, Wolfgang (January 8, 2026). "Northern MLA Sheldon Clare says he is running for B.C. Conservative leadership". CHEK News. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  27. ^ Clare, Sheldon (January 8, 2026). "And away we go". X. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  28. ^ Palmer, Vaughn (January 13, 2026). "'Radical reconciliation' critic Caroline Elliott seeks to head B.C. Conservatives". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  29. ^ McElroy, Justin (January 6, 2025). "Businessman Yuri Fulmer announces prospective candidacy to lead B.C. Conservatives". CBC News. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  30. ^ Hamm, Warren (December 23, 2025). "Look forward to the debates". X. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  31. ^ none (January 27, 2026). "Darrell Jones makes bid for B.C. Conservative leadership". Aldergrove Star. Retrieved January 27, 2026.
  32. ^ https://x.com/SteveKooner/status/2018887084422160659
  33. ^ Petruk, Tim; Jan 16, The Canadian Press-; Story: 594597, 2026 / 7:35 pm |. "B.C. Conservatives ready to face off in crowded leadership race takes shape, Kamloops MLA Milobar launches bid". www.castanetkamloops.net. Retrieved January 17, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  34. ^ Press, The Canadian (January 17, 2026). "Peter Milobar joins growing field in B.C. Conservative leadership race". CTVNews. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ Depner, Wolfgang (February 5, 2026). "Former Conservative leader John Rustad might be running for his old job: report". Toronto Star. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  37. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (February 5, 2026). "'No comment': Rustad mum on jumping into BC Conservative leadership race". Western Standard. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  38. ^ 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.
  39. ^ 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.
  40. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 14, 2026). "Chris Gardner exits BC Conservative leadership race due to cancer diagnosis". Western Standard. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  41. ^ Giddens, Kiel (December 18, 2025). "Kiel Giddens says he won't run". X. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  42. ^ Gunn, Aaron (December 24, 2025). "My official statement on the BC Conservative leadership race". X. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  43. ^ Depner, Wolfgang (December 24, 2025). "Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn says he won't run for Conservative leadership". Global News. Retrieved December 24, 2025.
  44. ^ Steacy, Lisa (December 5, 2025). "John Rustad resigns as B.C. Conservative leader". CTV News. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  45. ^ Cleugh, Janis (January 15, 2026). "Former Coquitlam MLA kicks off campaign to lead BC Conservatives". Freshet News. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  46. ^ Ross, Ellis (December 10, 2025). "BC Conservative Leadership Race". Facebook. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
  47. ^ Page, Mark (December 10, 2025). "Elenore Sturko says she will not run for B.C. Conservative leadership". Langley Advance Times. Retrieved December 10, 2025.
  48. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Former Surrey mayor @DianneWatts4BC endorses @iainblackbc for BC Conservative leader". X. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  49. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  50. ^ Smyth, Mike (December 8, 2025). "Brad West says he won't run". X. Retrieved January 4, 2026.
  51. ^ 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.
  52. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  53. ^ Cleugh, Janis (January 15, 2026). "Former Coquitlam MLA kicks off campaign to lead BC Conservatives". Freshet News. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  54. ^ 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.
  55. ^ Cleugh, Janis (January 15, 2026). "Former Coquitlam MLA kicks off campaign to lead BC Conservatives". Freshet News. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  56. ^ Cleugh, Janis (January 15, 2026). "Former Coquitlam MLA kicks off campaign to lead BC Conservatives". Freshet News. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  57. ^ Cleugh, Janis (January 15, 2026). "Former Coquitlam MLA kicks off campaign to lead BC Conservatives". Freshet News. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  58. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Iain Black officially launches BC Conservative leadership campaign". Western Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  59. ^ Jäger, Jarryd (January 15, 2026). "Former Surrey mayor @DianneWatts4BC endorses @iainblackbc for BC Conservative leader". X. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
  60. ^ Cobb, Ian (February 4, 2026). "Former MLA's take on BC Conservative leadership race". East Kootenay News Online Weekly. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  61. ^ "Trevor Bolin Endorses Yuri". teamyurifulmer.ca. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  62. ^ 4.7K views · 133 reactions | IF YOU WANT A TRUE BLUE CONSERVATIVE LEADER WARREN HAMM IS YOUR GUY!!! I’m sharing the nomination form for Warren Hamm’s campaign for Leader of the Conservative Party of BC: https://form.fillout.com/t/kTDzJUC7f4us The form includes a short write-up and a simple signature to support his nomination. I know many of you may not know Warren personally, but I do know his character, work ethic, and the values he and his family stand for. They are genuinely good people who care deeply about the future of British Columbia. Warren believes in a simple idea: Builders, Not Bureaucrats — practical leadership focused on getting things done and creating opportunity in our province. This is a nomination, not a vote, so you are not committing to a final decision. Once we move through the nomination process, we will be sharing his platform and vision across all media so people can learn more about who Warren is and what he stands for. If you are not currently a party member, I encourage you to consider joining. A membership is $25, and your support will help us get through the nomination process ahead of the February 15 deadline. Your nomination and membership would mean a great deal. Thank you for taking a few minutes to help. Warren Hamm #bcpoli | Jordan Kealy MLA for Peace River North. Retrieved February 11, 2026 – via www.facebook.com. {{cite AV media}}: External link in |title= (help)
  63. ^ "Mainstreet Research Survey - British Columbia" (PDF). Mainstreet Research. December 22, 2025.
  64. ^ "British Columbia Provincial Voting Intentions, Opinions On Potential BC Conservative Leadership Candidates" (PDF). Pallas Data. December 16, 2025. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
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