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Rustad Survives B.C. Conservative Review With 70.66% as Sturko Is Ousted

A low-turnout review, coupled with cancelled memberships, leaves lingering questions about his mandate.

Overview

  • Party officials reported 1,268 ballots cast — roughly 15% turnout — with Rustad winning 78 of 93 ridings, losing 10, tying 3, and 2 recording no votes.
  • Members approved an 11-point leadership pledge with about 80% support, featuring policies on crime, schools, immigration, taxes, property rights and election rules.
  • The party says an internal audit cancelled suspicious sign-ups, including about 2,100 Kelowna registrations tied to a handful of credit cards and identical contact details.
  • Hours after the result, Rustad removed MLA Elenore Sturko from caucus over alleged organizing against him, which she denies, and she says she will sit as an independent.
  • Rustad says the vote gives him a mandate to lead and he is urging business supporters to resume fundraising as the party contends with recent defections and the OneBC splinter.