After leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s Sunday resignation, the BC Conservative interim leader says several expelled or departed MLAs are rejoining and that the party is preparing to campaign quickly if the writ drops.
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BC Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson says the party is moving toward unity as it prepares for the possibility of a snap provincial election expected to be called Tuesday. Doerkson’s comments come after the Sunday resignation of Kerry-Lynne Findlay as BC Conservative leader, a decision that has set off immediate reorganization within the centre-right party.
Doerkson said he has invited six MLAs who left the caucus during Findlay’s leadership to return. He said that five had accepted the invitation and that other members are considering their next steps.
In addition to the interim leader’s remarks, MLA John Rustad announced Monday morning that he has been invited to rejoin the party’s caucus. Rustad’s invitation follows his expulsion by Findlay in the last days of her leadership.
Doerkson also said other MLAs have rejoined the party. He named Trevor Halford, Linda Hepner, Scott McInnis and Claire Rattée as among those returning to the BC Conservative caucus.
While Doerkson acknowledged the party has been through “a rough patch,” he said the calls he has received since Findlay’s resignation have been focused on reuniting and changing government in British Columbia. He characterized the response from supporters and caucus contacts as largely supportive of bringing the party back together.
The interim leader tied the party’s near-term plans to the election-call timeline. Doerkson said that if a snap election happens, BC Conservatives expect to begin campaigning immediately.
With the party’s candidate-readiness efforts underway, Doerkson said a team has been in meetings and that the BC Conservatives would field a full slate of candidates. He linked the preparation period to how long the writ period lasts before an election is held.
Doerkson also addressed the question of coordination with the CentreBC party, whose new leader Peter Milobar announced on Friday that he is taking the role. Doerkson said he would be open to discussion about bringing CentreBC under the BC Conservatives umbrella, but that no decision has been made.
He added that the party sees itself as positioned to form an alternative government in British Columbia. Doerkson said he is open to working with others who want a conversation focused on changing government during the days leading up to the end of the writ period.
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