Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
11h ago

B.C. Conservative MLA Amelia Boultbee Quits Caucus, Demands Rustad Resign

The move underscores a leadership crisis as new polling shows the BC NDP ahead.

Amelia Boultbee speaking on the steps of the B.C. legislature on Monday morning, announced she is quitting the BC Conservative caucus.
Amelia Boultbee, MLA for Penticton-Summerland, speaks to reporters about her decision to leave the B.C. Conservative caucus on Oct. 20, 2025.
Image
Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee, seen here on election night on Oct. 10, 2024, has resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus.

Overview

  • Boultbee said she will sit as an independent after accusing John Rustad of failed leadership tied to a membership scandal and his conduct in caucus.
  • She stated she may collaborate with former Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko and would consider returning if Rustad is replaced.
  • Rustad refused to step down and publicly raised concerns about Boultbee’s mental health, drawing criticism from within his caucus for trivializing health issues.
  • Boultbee is the fifth MLA to leave or be expelled since the 2024 election, following departures of Elenore Sturko and Dallas Brodie and resignations by Tara Armstrong and Jordan Kealy, with Brodie and Armstrong forming the new OneBC party.
  • A summer leadership review gave Rustad 70.66% support on fewer than 1,300 votes, and a new Abacus Data survey shows the BC NDP leading the Conservatives by seven points.