John Rustad Withdraws From October 24 B.C. Election

Former Conservative Party of B.C. leader John Rustad announced he will not seek re-election in the upcoming provincial election on October 24, ending more than two decades in politics. Rustad, who led the party to a record 44 seats in 2024 and established it as the Official Opposition, stated it is time to "pass the torch to the next generation."

Rustad criticized New Democrat Leader David Eby for calling a snap election two years early, claiming Eby did so "to save his job" rather than to defend his government's record. Despite this, Rustad endorsed interim Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson, asserting that the early election call has united the Conservative movement following a period of internal turmoil. Rustad had previously been removed as party leader in December 2025 after 20 MLAs called for his resignation following his decision to oust several caucus members.

In response, David Eby accused the Conservative Opposition of harboring ideologies aligned with "MAGA-style politics" and suggested some members wish to make British Columbia a protectorate of the United States. Eby specifically criticized the Conservative caucus for meeting with U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. During a campaign event in Maple Ridge, Eby also announced new procurement rules requiring public infrastructure projects, such as the North Coast Transmission Line, to prioritize B.C. and Canadian products.