Three former BC Conservative MLAs rejoin caucus as election looms

Interim leader Lorne Doerkson extended invitations to former leader John Rustad, former interim leader Trevor Halford and MLA Scott McInnis to rejoin the B.C. Conservative caucus, and all three have accepted. Rustad said his tenure as leader has ended but he remains committed to serving the province, and he highlighted ongoing high-level unity talks with the splinter CentreBC party, estimating a 95 percent chance of success.

The moves come as the governing NDP debated a possible early election after Kerry-Lynne Findlay stepped down, leaving the opposition without a permanent leader—Doerkson is barred from seeking the permanent leadership under the party constitution. Rustad praised Doerkson as a “quality individual” and suggested he could lead the party into an election if he wishes, while also urging veteran politicians such as Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell to step aside.

Meanwhile, agriculture minister Lana Popham announced she will not run for a sixth term, adding to the election speculation. The legislature’s current standings still show 47 NDP seats, 24 Conservatives and a growing number of independents, though numbers have not yet been updated.