B.C.’s Official Opposition says John Rustad is no longer leader, but Rustad insists he’s staying put. CTV
John Rustad faces sharp internal pressure as his party moves to replace him, yet he insists he remains leader of the B.C. Conservatives. The MLA for Nechako Lakes released a firm message on social media Wednesday: “I have not resigned, I have not been removed, and I am not going anywhere.”
His statement followed a major announcement from the party’s board of directors. Earlier in the day, the board voted to label Rustad “professionally incapacitated,” a move the party says leaves him unable to continue in the role.
In its statement, the party thanked Rustad for guiding the Conservatives to major gains in the last election. “We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter,” the board wrote.
Caucus Loses Confidence
The decision came after most caucus members told the party’s legal counsel they no longer supported Rustad’s leadership. Following that, members selected MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader. Halford, first elected under the B.C. Liberals in 2020, now steps into the job while the party figures out its next steps.
Rustad, however, rejects the board’s move. He says the party’s constitution does not give caucus members or the board power to remove a leader. “Give me a break,” he wrote online in response to being called “professionally incapacitated.” He added, “That’s not a constitutional mechanism.”
What the Party Rules Say
The B.C. Conservative constitution outlines only four ways a leader can be removed: resignation, death, incapacitation, or a leadership review vote. The rules do not define what counts as incapacitation, leaving room for debate over the board’s interpretation.
Rustad survived a leadership review in September with 70.6 per cent support from members. Even with internal tension, members at the time chose to keep him in the role.
But the party has changed since the election. Two MLAs, Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong, left to create the OneBC party, while three more now sit as Independents. These departures weakened Rustad’s support inside the caucus.
Analysts Say Pressure Will Continue
As news of the latest dispute spread Wednesday morning, some political experts said Rustad’s position looked increasingly unstable. Stewart Prest, a political scientist at Simon Fraser University, said the signs were impossible to ignore.
“The writing is not just on the wall,” he said. “It’s on the floor, it’s on the ceiling, and it really is a question of when not if Mr. Rustad leaves the stage at this point.”
Rustad, however, shows no sign of stepping down. He says the party must follow its rules and that he intends to stay in place despite growing internal division.
