Darrell Jones drops out of B.C. Conservative leadership race, six candidates remain

To most British Columbians, Darrell Jones is best known for his folksy Save-On-Foods commercials.

VICTORIA — The number of candidates running for the leadership of the British Columbia Conservatives has shrunk to six, with candidate Darrell Jones announcing he will be throwing his support behind Caroline Elliott.

The former Save-on-Foods executive says in a statement posted to social media on Saturday that he and Elliott are aligned on priorities including working with small businesses and industry, reducing the cost of government and tackling economic challenges “hitting young people the hardest.”

That now leaves just six candidates in the race for leadership of the official Opposition.

Among those in the running is contractor Warren Hamm, entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and current MLA Peter Milobar, who is now the only sitting legislator vying for the leadership.

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.

Two other former candidates, Bruce Banman and Harman Bhangu, both members of the provincial legislature, dropped out of the race earlier this month.

Bhangu also threw his support behind Elliott, while Banman endorsed Fulmer.

Elliott issued her own statement to social media on Saturday, calling Jones’s endorsement “an honour.”

She welcomed him to her team, saying he brings 48 years of business experience and has also served as chair of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“He built his career on honesty, integrity, hard work, and putting people first,” she said of Jones in the post. “I’m grateful to have his support — and together, we’ll bring prosperity back to B.C.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2026.