John Rustad Returns To B.C. Conservative Caucus After Findlay Steps Down

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says he has returned to the party’s caucus following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s decision to step down as leader.

In a statement Monday, Rustad said Findlay’s resignation was the “right thing for British Columbia” and said he respected her decision.

Rustad said interim Opposition Leader Lorne Doerksen asked him to return to caucus, and he accepted the invitation.

“I am returning to do the work, not to run the next chapter from the outside,” Rustad said.

He said he is willing to support the party’s new leadership but does not intend to impose his previous vision on the caucus. Rustad also called on an older generation of politicians, including former premiers Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell, to step aside.

“There time at the centre is over. They need to let this go. My time as leader is over too. Serving this province is not,” Rustad said.

Rustad also addressed discussions about potentially bringing the B.C. Conservatives and CentreBC back together, saying those efforts should succeed.

“This province cannot afford two opposition parties while David Eby measures the timing of an election,” he said.

Rustad criticized Premier David Eby, saying he believes the premier would prefer to call an election while the Opposition is reorganizing rather than defend his government’s record.

Rustad said he remains committed to British Columbia and believes residents are as well.

Rustad served as leader of the B.C. Conservative Party before Findlay took over the leadership.