The B.C. Conservative caucus has ousted John Rustad from his position as party leader Wednesday, a source confirmed.
The move follows a letter to the party’s president, which claimed 20 Conservative MLAs have “executed” statements, saying they’ve lost confidence in him and want him out after months of inter-party turmoil.
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In a media release around 12:30 p.m., the party says its board of directors passed a motion certifying that Rustad is “professionally incapacitated and unable to continue” as leader.
“The Conservative Party of British Columbia would like to extend its deepest gratitude to John Rustad, who led our party into its ascendance and made history. We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter,” the media release stated.
MLA for Surrey-White Rock Trevor Halford has been appointed interim leader after a caucus vote.
However, Halford could not really say if he is the leader of the official Opposition quite yet.
“We are trying to figure that out. Obviously, we are in some pretty incredible, unprecedented times. And what I’ve been calling for is stability,” Halford told the Canadian Press at the British Columbia Parliament Building in Victoria.
“And I think it’s paramount that we get stability inside of our caucus. I think it’s paramount that we get stability with our party. I think it’s paramount that British Columbians get stability.”
Rustad is remaining defiant in a message on X.
“I have not resigned, I have not been removed, and I am not going anywhere. A political party’s board can throw around whatever creative terminology they like, ‘professional incapacitation’? Give me a break,” he wrote.
Rustad said the board’s move to declare him “professionally incapacitated” is not a constitutional mechanism of the party’s laws.
During Question Period in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Rustad was seen sitting in the Leader of the Opposition seat.
The party’s statement says the party will now begin the process of an official leadership race.
This is a developing story. More to come.
—With files from The Canadian Press
