Former British Columbia Conservative leader John Rustad has received an invitation to rejoin the party’s caucus, following his recent expulsion by Kerry-Lynne Findlay towards the end of her leadership tenure. Lorne Doerkson, the newly appointed interim leader of the Opposition, reached out to Rustad via text message, urging him to return to the caucus.
This development unfolded after the B.C. NDP governing caucus convened on Sunday to deliberate a potential early election in the wake of Findlay’s departure. The scenario raises the possibility of voters heading to the polls with no definitive candidate from the Opposition poised to take on the role of premier.
However, Doerkson is restricted by the Conservative party’s constitution from vying for the permanent leadership position. Rustad, acknowledging that many individuals in B.C. may not be familiar with him, expressed his confidence in Doerkson’s leadership abilities, describing him as a “quality individual” and stating his willingness to support him in leading the party into an election.
Rustad dismissed speculation about the future of the Conservatives, suggesting that prominent figures like former premiers Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell should move on from politics and recognize that their era has concluded.
