FORSETH – John Rustad’s time as BC Conservative Party leader is over

LET ME START by saying the following, as someone who has been involved with the BC Conservative Party since 2010, is very hard to say.

Regardless of what John (Rustad) has said, his time as leader of the BC Conservative Party is over.

Before today, numerous riding associations, current and former riding association board members, and even a majority of the provincial executive board had already called for him to step down.

Now with 20 of 39 Conservative MLAs now officially calling for him to step down. John has nowhere to go, but out the door.

Having known John since taking part in the leadership campaign for Ellis Ross, I have respected his knowledge and dedication to the province.  All that aside, the writing is on the wall, and the train has left the station.

Regrettably, the time for a graceful leave taking has passed, and now the last thoughts people will have is of an individual who was clinging to power.

After over two-decades of service to the people of BC, that will be a sad end.

The Western Strand announced the following just after 12:30 today: 

A major shake-up has just hit BC politics. John Rustad has been officially removed as leader of the BC Conservatives in a sudden move by the party’s board of directors. In his place, Surrey–White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has been appointed interim caucus leader as the party reorganizes its leadership at a critical moment.

Details remain limited, but sources say the board passed a resolution ousting Rustad and immediately elevating Halford to the role.

Alan Forseth is a Kamloops resident. For 40 years he has been active, in a number of capacities, in local, provincial and federal politics, including running as a candidate for the BC Reform Party in the 1996 provincial election. He is secretary of the Conservative Party of B.C. He blogs at Thoughts on BC Politics and More.