Bruce Banman (L) and Harman Bhangu are pictured in these two headshots. (Image Credit: Contributed)

By The Canadian Press

BC Conservative Leadership

Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out

Mar 16, 2026 | 11:13 AM

VICTORIA — The number of candidates running for the leadership of the British Columbia Conservatives has shrunk to seven.

Bruce Banman and Harman Bhangu, both members of the provincial legislature, have dropped out of the race.

Banman says he is endorsing candidate Yuri Fulmer because the entrepreneur is the only candidate with a “proven track record” in the private sector, who knows how to kick-start the economy.

Bhangu has thrown his support behind political commentator Caroline Elliott, saying he agrees with her ideas about “common sense” in schools, prosperity for working families and respect for private property.

Also still running are contractor Warren Hamm, former Save-on-Foods executive Darrell Jones, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and current Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar, who is now the only sitting legislator vying for the leadership of the official Opposition.

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Milobar says on social media that he is the only candidate, who “would win a strong, clear” majority government, pointing to recent polling by Mainstreet Research.

After surveying over 1,000 British Columbians last week, Mainstreet Research said while respondents prefer either one of Elliott, Black, Findlay and Milobar as party leader over the BC NDP, Milobar was the only one “would result in a clear BC Conservative majority.”

A new Mainstreet poll shows what’s at stake.

I am the only candidate who would win a strong, clear Majority Government against David Eby’s NDP.

If we want to create jobs, grow our economy, and repeal DRIPA — we have to win.

👉 Join our movement: https://t.co/J6yFGbPC0h… pic.twitter.com/zcWI5OcC5i

— Peter Milobar (@PeterMilobar) March 16, 2026

The remaining candidates must pay $40,000 by April 1, then another $60,000 on or before April 18, to remain in the race, with the leader to be announced on May 30.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press