Thursday December 4, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 12:01 pm PT | Updated 4:22 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today BC Conservative MLA John Rustad issued a statement upon resigning from leadership of the Conservative Party of BC.
Yesterday it was announced by the party that a ‘majority’ of the BC Conservative caucus had voted to remove Rustad from the leadership position.
Yesterday Rustad protested the move but today issued a statement of resignation (see below). He is still listed by the BC Legislature as a BC Conservative MP.
Today Rustad told media that he is “confident” that the BC Conservatives will win the next BC provincial election.
He told media that people around him — campaign and staff workers and his wife — advised him to stick it out as leader, but Rustad said he didn’t want to engage in a ‘civil war’ within the BC Conservative caucus.
Halford is interim leader:
Meanwhile, the BC Conservative caucus has chosen Trevor Halford (MLA for Surrey-White Rock) as their Interim Leader. Halford addressed media in Victoria today.
As interim leader, Halford said that Rustad’s well-being during the transition is a priority for the caucus. They are grateful for his work in bringing the party close to a majority in the Fall 2024 provincial election.
Statement from John Rustad
December 4, 2025
“Today, I am announcing my decision to resign as Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia and as Leader of the Official Opposition. When I began this journey, our party had not elected an MLA to the British Columbia Legislature since 1975. We started with very little, but we built a movement grounded in common sense, hard work, and love of this province. Together, we came within one seat of forming government. That progress belongs to every MLA, every volunteer, every donor, and every British Columbian who believed we could do better.
“I am proud of what we have built and proud of the team of Conservative MLAs who now represent communities across British Columbia. We have been a strong voice for safe streets, affordable living, private property, resource jobs, and respect for the people who build this province. That work matters more than ever, because the NDP is laying waste to B.C.’s economy and the livelihoods of working families. This was brought into sharp relief just this week with the loss of 350 jobs at the Crofton Pulp mill. People who work hard and play by the rules deserve a government that has their back, not a government that drives investment away and shrugs when paycheques disappear.
“I know many are concerned by what they saw yesterday, but I want to assure every member and supporter of the party that this was not a hostile takeover by BC Liberals of the party. We remain to a vision of elected a common-sense Conservative government in BC. I invite everyone who sees the NDP as a threat to their livelihood and to the dreams of a prosperous British Columbia to join us in the coming weeks and months as we chart a new path forward.
“British Columbia needs a strong and unified opposition that is ready to hold this government to account and defeat it. I have full confidence in our caucus, and I will continue to support our team as they fight for British Columbians every day. I am deeply grateful to my wife Kim for the sacrifices she has made. I’m grateful to our staff for their commitment and to the people of British Columbia for the privilege of serving as the leader of the Official Opposition.”
===== RELATED:
BC Conservatives oust Rustad, interim leader Halford addresses media (December 4, 2025)
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