A political newcomer with no prior electoral experience has rapidly become a frontrunner in the British Columbia Conservative Party leadership contest, largely due to the powerful backroom team she has assembled. Caroline Elliott, who officially declared her candidacy on January 16, 2024, is being guided by some of the most recognizable names in conservative campaign management.
A Campaign Team Forged from Conservative Heavyweights
The momentum for Elliott's campaign began with a significant revelation from Kory Teneycke. The former spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and a current ally of Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on a podcast that he would be moving to British Columbia to manage Elliott's bid for leadership. This announcement acted as a catalyst, prompting a wave of other high-profile conservative figures to join her effort.
In the hours following Teneycke's statement, a formidable team coalesced around Elliott. The roster includes digital strategist Jeff Ballingall, political advisor Nick Kouvalis (known for his work with Toronto mayors Rob Ford and John Tory), and Anthony Koch, a former spokesman for both federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and ex-B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad.
National Post confirmed that Howard Anglin, a former senior advisor to both Stephen Harper and ex-Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, will also join the campaign. Conservative pollster Brooke Pigott, who has worked for Harper and Poilievre, rounds out the experienced group supporting Elliott's political debut.
Who is Caroline Elliott?
Despite not being a household name, Elliott's supporters point to a compelling mix of qualities that make her a strong contender. Anthony Koch highlighted her intelligence, electability, and genuine conservative principles as a rare combination. "Usually, the best you can hope for is two out of three," Koch remarked.
Elliott has built a profile within conservative circles through her commentary on contentious issues, particularly Indigenous reconciliation. Her writing has appeared in the National Post and other right-leaning publications. She is a co-founder of the new-right blog Without Diminishment, from which she will take a hiatus during her leadership campaign.
Focus on Indigenous Reconciliation and Policy
Elliott's formal education in Indigenous relations informs her approach to the politically sensitive topic of reconciliation. She has been critical of government lawyers, accusing them of "pulling punches" in the recent Cowichan decision, which extended Aboriginal title to areas of private property near Vancouver.
Margareta Dovgal, a contributor to Without Diminishment, suggests Elliott's thoughtful, fact-based style is already shifting the conversation. "Not everyone agrees with her, but even those who don’t can see she’s a serious person," Dovgal stated.
With a campaign team boasting deep connections to both federal and provincial conservative power centers, Caroline Elliott's entry into the B.C. Conservative Party leadership race signals a serious and well-organized challenge. Her candidacy will test whether a policy-focused newcomer, backed by elite political operatives, can successfully navigate a party leadership contest.
