B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko expressed complete surprise at being ousted from the caucus on Monday evening. The decision, announced by caucus chair Jody Toor following a leadership review of John Rustad, was not accompanied by any explanation for her removal. Addressing the media outside the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, Sturko, who represents Surrey-Cloverdale, stated that she is uncertain about her future actions but affirmed her commitment to serving her constituents.
Sturko, previously the party’s public safety critic, refuted Rustad’s accusation of her involvement in undermining his leadership. While admitting to discussions with fellow MLAs regarding the leadership review, she denied any organized opposition against Rustad. She implied that Rustad may have been concerned about potential scrutiny arising from the review but remarked that other individuals present would likely raise those concerns.
Calling for Rustad’s resignation as party leader and Official Opposition head, Sturko urged her former caucus members to exert pressure on him, citing his failure to effectively lead the party. Planning to operate as an independent, she expressed disappointment at the rift between socially liberal and fiscally conservative factions that she had endeavored to bridge.
Earlier in the day, Rustad asserted that party members had given him a “mandate to lead” following a vote where 71% supported his leadership. According to the party’s statement, 1,268 members participated in the review, with Rustad securing backing in 78 of the 93 ridings.
Rustad and the Conservative Party of B.C. narrowly missed victory in the recent provincial election, claiming 44 seats out of 93. However, controversies surrounding Rustad’s leadership emerged, notably in March when three caucus members either departed or were expelled from the party. One member was removed for disrespecting testimonies from residential school survivors, while two others subsequently left to establish a new political entity.
