The Current Confusion for BC Cons
Dec 4, 2025
Rob Shaw, a political reporter based in Victoria and host of the Political Capital podcast, dives into the chaotic leadership dispute in the BC Conservatives. John Rustad claims he's still the leader, despite the party naming an interim head. The tension escalates as MLAs express confusion over the legality of the vote. Rob discusses the 'quasi-coup,' the deep divisions within the party, and doubts over anyone's ability to bridge the gaps. He also touches on the awkward aftermath and how Premier David Eby may benefit from the Conservatives' turmoil.
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Caucus Versus Board Power Clash
- The BC Conservative caucus split leadership authority from the party leader by holding its own vote.
- That left John Rustad with the symbolic trappings of leadership but without caucus confidence and real control.
Secret Declaration Triggered Emergency Meeting
- Twenty MLAs signed a declaration saying they no longer had confidence in Rustad and asked for anonymity.
- The caucus then held a meeting where over 30 members voted to appoint Trevor Halford interim leader despite Rustad's objections.
Constitutional Loophole Rewritten
- The party board lacked a clear constitutional route to remove Rustad, who had won 70% in a recent leadership vote.
- The board reinterpreted 'incapacitated' as lacking caucus support and declared him 'professionally incapacitated' to remove him.