
Rustad wonders if he should have made ‘blackmail’ claim after Opposition caucus meets
VICTORIA — British Columbia Opposition Leader John Rustad said he wonders whether he should have used the word “blackmail” to describe the alleged behaviour of former B.C. Conservatives he’s accused of trying to take over the party.
But he said he didn’t exaggerate the claims and doesn’t regret writing a letter to his caucus that contained the allegations that are now being examined by police.
Rustad was speaking Wednesday after a Conservative caucus meeting in Surrey, where most of his party’s legislators stood behind him as he addressed reporters.
“I do think about whether I should have used the word ‘blackmail.’ That was how staff described it to me,” Rustad said, adding it was “unfortunate” the situation had become “very politicized.”