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By Victor Kaisar

BC Conservative Leadership

Prince George MLA Sheldon Clare suspending BC Conservative leadership bid

Feb 28, 2026 | 10:33 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare is suspending his campaign to become leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

In a statement, the rookie MLA says while he submitted more than 250 signatures that were required by the party’s Leadership Election Organizing Committee, “a critical number” were not accepted, as they were from people who were either not party members or their memberships had lapsed.

“I take full responsibility for that deficiency in my application,” Clare said in the statement.

“I know this news will be disappointing to many. However, I remain proud of the ideas we have advanced together to strengthen our province and our party.”

Candidates had to submit 250 valid signatures and pay a $5,000 application fee by the Feb. 15 deadline. Once approved, they had to pay a second $10,000 fee within three business days, followed by $40,000 on April 1 and the final $60,000 by April 18.

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Clare announced his intention to run for leadership in early January, and he formally launched his campaign later that month. He said he was focusing his candidacy on issues like affordability and tax relief along with economic growth, crime and public safety.

“I am deeply grateful to the many supporters, volunteers, and staff who have dedicated their time, energy, and belief to this effort,” Clare added in his statement. “Your encouragement and commitment have meant a great deal to me and my family.”

“I hope these ideas will continue to inform the leadership conversation in the months ahead, and I will continue to advocate for them.”

Both Clare and fellow MLA Steve Kooner, who represents the riding of Richmond-Queensborough, announced they were withdrawing from the race on Friday (Feb. 27). Kooner did not provide a reason, but he said he had made the decision to leave the crowded field “early last week.”

“In a large candidate field, I concluded that the responsible path forward is to support a candidate positioned to unite the party and win,” Kooner wrote on social media. “I’m currently in discussions with several campaigns and will be sharing more soon.”

There are still nine candidates in the running to replace John Rustad, who resigned as BC Conservative Leader after a caucus revolt. The list includes three incumbent MLAs – Peter Milobar (Kamloops Centre), Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South) and Harman Bhangu (Langley-Abbotsford).

Former B.C. cabinet minister Iain Black, political commentator Caroline Elliott, former Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer, builder Warren Hamm and former Pattison Food Group president Darrell Jones are also still in the running.

The next leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia will be announced on May 30.

“This upcoming leadership vote is critically important for the future of the Conservative movement in British Columbia. The success our party achieved in the 2024 election – and our pathway to victory in the next general election – depends on clear, principled Conservative leadership,” Clare said, as he rejected comparisons to the former BC United/BC Liberal Party.

“We must protect and strengthen this party, and ensure it remains grounded in genuine Conservative principles. Our responsibility now is to offer a credible, principled alternative that reflects the values of our members and the aspirations of voters across this province.”

Clare concluded his statement by saying he remains “fully committed” to serving his constituents in Prince George-North Cariboo.