Amid internal dissent and declining support, a recent poll reveals growing dissatisfaction with British Columbia Conservative Party Leader, John Rustad.
The Angus Reid Institute conducted a survey with over 1,000 participants, where a significant 64% expressed an unfavorable opinion of Rustad. Additionally, 59% of respondents indicated they believe Rustad should step down from his leadership position.
Recently, a letter signed by seven members of the party’s management committee, including President Aisha Estey, echoed the sentiment for Rustad’s resignation, citing a “state of chaos” within the party. The committee highlighted Rustad’s decisions as detrimental to the party’s unity and credibility.
The poll, conducted following the public release of the letter, revealed that 48% of those who voted for the party in 2024 would advise Rustad to resign, while 31% were undecided on the matter. This presents a challenge for the provincial Conservatives as support for the party has waned, with disenchanted voters attributing their disapproval to Rustad’s leadership.
Moreover, the survey indicated dissatisfaction with the governing BC NDP, with 53% of respondents feeling that British Columbia is on the “wrong track” under the Eby government, and 56% expressing dissatisfaction with its performance.
Despite a close race between the Conservatives and the NDP, with the former holding a slight lead, Rustad’s favorability has notably decreased. The poll results suggest that the political landscape in British Columbia is marked by shifting sentiments towards party leadership.