By Michael Reeve

LEADERSHIP CHANGE

‘We need a bit of a reset’; Kamloops Conservative MLAs talk leadership change

Dec 4, 2025 | 4:13 PM

VICTORIA — Change is afoot for British Columbia’s official opposition, as the BC Conservatives are officially in search of new party leader. It comes after John Rustad, who brought the party back from political obscurity to official status and nearly into power, has been forced to resign after losing the confidence of more than 50 per cent of his caucus

“I am currently still the leader of the party, nothing has changed since we discussed this morning,” said Rustad on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 3).

A whirlwind 24 hours in the halls of the BC legislature, starting with a defiant Rustad and ending with the man who helped reinvent the Conservative Party cast aside for new leadership at the top.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that I will be stepping done as leader of the Conservative Party, but staying on as MLA,” confirmed Rustad on Thursday.

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For the time being, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has been named as interim leader.

According to Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar there was no single straw that broke Rustad’s back.

“Sometimes in politics, it’s directly the persons fault, and sometimes it’s just a series of events that, as the leader, you still wear,” Milobar told CFJC News. “I don’t think there is any one thing. I think it’s just a case of recognition that we need a bit of a reset as a party. We need to try to reignite the passion in those supporters.”

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer thanked Rustad for bringing the party back, but agreed with Milobar that the time is right for change.

“We do need… not necessarily a rebirth but basically a reenergizing of it,” said Stamer. “And again, not taking anything away from what John has done, but I think there have been some mistakes made in the past, but it’s just going to make us stronger going forward. I know we are united as a group.”

The Conservatives are a large-tent party with representation from the former BC Liberals on one side and true blue Tories on the other. Stamer believes they need to lean into being a right-of-centre party to win.

“Well, I would offer that we are right of centre. I am more of a right person than somebody that is in this mushy middle. Mushy middle is sitting on the fence. I don’t sit on the fence. I would offer my caucus members don’t sit on the fence, as well,” added Stamer.

The change of leadership comes just as the B.C. legislature ends its winter session, giving the party time to get organized before the house returns in the new year.

“There is never a good time, I guess, for this type of situation to unfold,” said Milobar. “But I think it certainly gives the party and the membership (energy) and hopefully as the leadership race unfolds that creates a lot of excitement in the broader community and reignited that passion for us being the viable right-of-centre option to take out the NDP in the next general election.”