SURREY, B.C. — Longtime grocery industry executive Darrell Jones has officially entered the race to lead the Conservative Party of British Columbia, framing the contest as a pivotal moment for the province’s future.
Speaking to supporters in Surrey, Jones positioned himself as a results-driven leader shaped by decades in the private sector. A former president of Pattison Food Group, Jones said his nearly five-decade career — rising from entry-level roles to senior leadership — gives him the experience needed to tackle what he described as B.C.’s most pressing challenges.
Jones told the crowd he has overseen large budgets, expanded operations, and helped create thousands of jobs across the province. As a Surrey resident who has travelled extensively throughout British Columbia, he said he has seen firsthand the economic and social pressures facing both urban and rural communities.
His leadership bid adds him to a growing field that includes Conservative MLAs Peter Milobar and Sheldon Clare, entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer, political commentator Caroline Elliott, former BC Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, and Rossland-based contractor Warren Hamm. The leadership vacancy follows the departure of John Rustad.
During his remarks, Jones criticized the governing New Democrats, arguing the province has missed opportunities under Premier David Eby’s leadership. He pointed to rising costs of living, housing affordability, public safety concerns, and what he described as an overreliance on ideology in policymaking.
Housing affordability featured prominently in Jones’ speech, with him noting that B.C. consistently ranks among the most expensive places to live globally. He also raised concerns about taxation, saying current levels make it increasingly difficult for families and businesses to get ahead.
Public safety was another focus, particularly incidents of violence and extortion affecting Surrey and other Lower Mainland communities. Jones pledged stronger support for policing and the justice system, promising tougher action to restore a sense of security.
On Indigenous policy, Jones said he would move to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, arguing it has created uncertainty around property rights and resource development. While acknowledging the importance of reconciliation, he said the legislation has discouraged investment and stalled projects.
The announcement drew swift criticism from the B.C. NDP. Vancouver-Langara MLA Sunita Dhir issued a statement accusing Jones of prioritizing corporate profits over affordability during his time in the grocery sector, citing price increases and labour decisions during the pandemic.
Jones has previously said he hopes to bring lessons learned from his former boss, billionaire businessman Jimmy Pattison, into provincial politics.
