Overview

• Conservative MLAs convened June 25 in Surrey to evaluate John Rustad’s leadership following his blackmail accusations against former colleagues.
• There is no formal procedure at the meeting to remove Rustad, though caucus members could unofficially withdraw their support.
• Under party rules, a leader can only be ousted through voluntary resignation, death, incapacity or a membership vote in a leadership review.
• The leadership review consists of riding-by-riding ballots and is scheduled to conclude in December, extending pressure on Rustad’s performance.
• RCMP have opened a probe into the blackmail allegations, but Rustad’s staff declined to share their statement with investigators.