Lorne Doerkson Leads BC Conservatives to Majority Victory
Lorne Doerkson and the BC Conservative Party won a majority government in a snap election, ending nine years of New Democratic Party rule.
The Conservative Party of British Columbia won a landslide majority government in a snap election held on October 24, 2026, securing 44 seats and ending nine years of New Democratic Party rule. This victory marks the first time the party has held the premiership since 1928. Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson, who assumed interim leadership on September 20, campaigned on a platform to increase liquefied natural gas production, raise the basic personal income tax exemption to $32,000, and repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Outgoing Premier David Eby called the early election on September 22, citing the difficulty of governing with a one-seat majority and challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The move backfired, leading Eby to concede defeat and resign as leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party. Eby stated that the result was "not the result that any of us wanted" and that he accepts "full responsibly for that outcome."
In the legislature, the British Columbia New Democratic Party is projected to hold 28 seats, while the BC Green Party, led by Emily Lowan, secured two seats. Individual riding results showed strong Conservative gains, including landslide re-elections for Macklin McCall in West Kelowna-Peachland and Gavin Dew in Kelowna-Mission. However, the Kelowna Centre race remains too close to call, with Kristina Loewen holding a narrow 132-vote lead over Loyal Wooldridge.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Doerkson, stating he looks forward to working together to build more homes and unleash the province's potential as an energy superpower.
