Three legislators who were ousted from the B.C. Conservatives under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership have rejoined caucus, along with two who resigned amid recent chaos. The increase in the Opposition’s ranks comes amid speculation Premier David Eby could call a snap election as early as Tuesday, sending voters to the polls on Oct. 24. Interim leader Lorne Doerkson announced Monday that the party will be welcoming back former leader John Rustad, former interim leader Trevor Halford and Skeena MLA Claire Rattée who were expelled by a defiant Findlay days before she stepped down. Rustad said in a statement Monday afternoon that Findlay stepping down was the right thing for the province and thanked her for doing so. He accepted an invitation to return from newly selected Doerksen, calling him a “quality individual.” Halford and Rattée have not issued statements on their return, but Doerksen said they had been readmitted to caucus “effective immediately. Two MLAs who left citing their objection to Findlay’s leadership have also rejoined the Opposition. Scott McInnis, who represents Columbia River-Revelstoke, said with Findlay gone, it’s a “moment to come together.” “My constituents expect me to be part of a strong and effective Opposition that can hold the government accountable and offer a credible alternative. British Columbians deserve a united team focused on addressing the real challenges facing this province,” he said. Surrey-Serpentine MLA Linda Hepner—whose resignation preceded Findlay’s by mere hours—was also readmitted, according to Doerksen. Seven legislators who resigned amid the turmoil among the Conservatives with Findlay at the helm found a new political home in the Centre BC party—which was founded last year by former B.C. United MLAs who did not win their ridings in 2024. It was unrepresented in the legislature until last week. MLA Elenore Sturko, who was ousted from the B.C. Conservatives under Rustad, also joined CentreBC last week. Rustad said there have been talks about the Conservatives reuniting with the CentreBC Party and that “those talks should succeed.” “David Eby would rather call an election while this party is finding its feet than defend what his government has actually done. Families in this province already know that record. I have not given up on British Columbia. I do not think the people who live here have either,” Rustad wrote. That message was echoed by the party, which posted to social media about the returning MLAs, saying, “conservatives across BC must stand together against more NDP economic devastation.” After the 2024 election, the Conservatives had 44 seats—coming within a hair’s breadth of forming government. By the end of Findlay’s tenure, the number had dropped to 24. Monday’s reinstatements bring the number of seats held by the Opposition up to 29.
