Former B.C. Liberals Take Center Stage in Conservative Leadership Contest
The race to replace John Rustad as leader of the B.C. Conservative Party is intensifying, with the party seeking a fresh direction following a tumultuous year marked by internal strife, expulsions, and Rustad's resignation. The contest has drawn significant attention as five high-profile candidates compete to convince party members they are best positioned to lead the organization forward.
Candidates with Liberal Backgrounds Emerge as Key Contenders
Notably, three of the five serious candidates have direct connections to the former B.C. Liberal party, creating an intriguing dynamic in what is supposed to be a conservative leadership race. Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black brings substantial political experience from his time as minister of labour and minister of small business technology under Gordon Campbell. Caroline Elliott, who served as a staffer and party vice-president for the Liberals, has generated considerable buzz for her campaign. Peter Milobar, the Kamloops Centre MLA, previously represented the Liberals from 2017 to 2024 before crossing the floor to join the Conservatives.
Diverse Field of Candidates Presents Varied Platforms
The remaining candidates offer different backgrounds and appeals. Sheldon Clare, the Prince George-North Cariboo MLA, is positioning himself as the only "true-blue conservative" in the race, emphasizing ideological purity. Yuri Fulmer, chancellor of Capilano University, promotes his business acumen gained from running multiple A&W franchises. Milobar leverages his role as the party's prominent finance critic and his experience as former mayor of Nanaimo.
Brad Zubyk, Rustad's former chief of staff, observed that several candidates are already differentiating themselves from their opponents in strategic ways. "What I can't figure out is who the core front-runner is right now, because I could be convinced that four or five of them may win," Zubyk commented, noting that with only 7,000 to 9,000 party members, whichever candidate can recruit the most new supporters will gain a significant advantage.
Race Structure and Financial Requirements Established
The party has established clear parameters for the leadership contest. Candidates must be accepted as official contenders by February 15, with an initial sign-up fee of $5,000 followed by a second fee of $10,000 upon acceptance. Over the course of the race, candidates will be expected to provide $135,000 to the party, including a $20,000 deposit that will eventually be returned. A spending cap of $2 million has been imposed on all entrants.
Key Dates and Strategic Considerations
The deadline for signing up new members is April 18, with voting commencing on May 9 and the winner announced on May 30. This timeline gives candidates approximately three months to build their support bases and articulate their visions for the party's future.
Mike McDonald, former chief of staff to B.C. Liberal premier Christy Clark, noted particular interest surrounding Elliott's campaign after it was revealed that her team will be led by Conservative strategist Kory Teneycke, who served as director of communications for former prime minister Stephen Harper and campaign manager for Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
The leadership contest represents a critical juncture for the B.C. Conservative Party as it attempts to move beyond recent internal conflicts and establish a cohesive identity. With candidates from diverse political backgrounds and varying approaches to conservative principles, the outcome will significantly influence the party's direction and electoral prospects in British Columbia.
