In the wake of John Rustad resigning from the BC Conservatives, our local MLAs are supporting interim leader Trevor Halford.
Rustad resigned after a majority of his caucus voted to remove him as leader.
Columbia River Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis said he respects Rustad and wishes him the best.
“I have nothing but respect for John. He took a risk on me as a new candidate when the election started and I’m forever grateful for him doing that,” he said.
“John has worked diligently to provide British Columbians with a strong alternative vision to
the NDP.”
Kootenay Rockies MLA Pete Davis echoes the sentiment on his social media.
“The Conservative Party of BC would not be where it is today without his leadership,” he said.
“We will always remember John as the leader who helped reignite this party. His legacy deserves to be protected, respected, and carried forward.”
McInnis said he will not be saying which way he voted, while Davis said he wasn’t in the building when it took place.
“Whether I supported or voted against John will stay with me,” McInnis added.
“I don’t think it’s helpful to be out there in the media as to who those individuals were or were not.”
“I want to be very clear: I was not in the building for this vote,” said Davis.
“But I believe in democracy, and when there is a majority decision whether I agree with it or not I have a responsibility to respect the outcome. That is how you play as a team.”
Both MLAs believe Halford will be a stable interim leader until a leadership race takes place.
“I want to thank Trevor Halford for stepping up as the interim leader of the Conservative Party of BC,” Davis said.
“This is a tough role to take on, especially at a time like this, but Trevor has the experience and steady hand we need right now.”
“Trevor is someone that has respect in our caucus room. He’s been around the legislature for over 20 years. He brings not only an aspect of experience to the interim role but one of stability,” said McInnis.
“Trevor’s a very poignant leader and commands respect in the room, but understands his role as an interim leader.”
McInnis said it’s been a tumultuous time for the party over the past week, but he’s excited about what the future holds for the BC Conservatives.
“The past few days have been challenging as we navigated difficult circumstances that led to this change. That said, our caucus is now fully focused on holding the NDP government to account,” he added.
“This is the mandate British Columbians elected us to fulfill, and we will work collectively to deliver on that responsibility.”
The party has not announced when the leadership race will take place.
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