A dramatic power struggle rocks B.C.’s Official Opposition as Trevor Halford is named interim leader while John Rustad refuses to leave.

B.C. Conservatives in Chaos as Leadership Fight Erupts

A Shocking Morning Split

The day began with sharp tension, and it grew fast. A lawyer for 20 MLAs sent a blunt letter. It pushed John Rustad to step down. Yet he did not step down. Instead, he pushed back hard. And so the conflict exploded into the open. Moreover, MLAs in the hallway spoke to reporters. And they backed different leaders. As a result, the party’s inner split became impossible to hide.

Halford Tapped as Interim Leader

Soon after the letter surfaced, the Conservative Party of B.C. posted a surprise announcement. It said Rustad was removed by a vote of its MLAs. It also said Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford was now interim leader. Additionally, the post cited a section of the party constitution. And it claimed Rustad was “professionally incapacitated.” However, big questions rose at once. And many asked if the party even had the power to remove him from caucus leadership.

Halford spoke to reporters. He said he accepted the role. However, he added that the path ahead was not clear. And he noted that the caucus, which deals with public money, is its own entity in the legislature.

MLAs Disagree on the Vote

Some Conservative MLAs said they never even joined the vote. And they still supported Rustad. Furthermore, Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper said the process “was out of order.” She expressed clear frustration. And she said she was disappointed in the way the situation unfolded.

Official Opposition house leader Á’a:líya Warbus said the party was still working through the conflict. Additionally, she said a statement would come later.

Rustad Refuses to Leave

Rustad posted online the same afternoon. He stressed that he had not resigned. He also said he had not been removed. And he stated he was “not going anywhere.” Moreover, he mocked the claim of “professional incapacitation” and said it was not even a real constitutional tool.

He repeated this in person all day. And he insisted he would not leave his post. While he spoke, he said the fight was only “noise.” And he urged the party to focus on the province’s challenges.

Caucus Members Say the Vote Stands

Although Rustad held his ground, other MLAs said the decision was final. Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu thanked Rustad for his work. However, he said the caucus wanted change. And he added that the majority had already chosen a new direction.

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