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British Columbia’s new Conservative leader, Lorne Doerkson, says his party is “ready to rock” after a turbulent start to the provincial election campaign. Doerkson, who took the interim leadership just hours before the NDP called a snap election, admits the opening days have been frustrating. However, he says the party has quickly regrouped and is moving forward with confidence.
A Rushed Start for BC Conservative Leader Doerkson
New Democrat Leader David Eby called the snap election on Tuesday, only days after former BC Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned amid a caucus revolt. Doerkson, 58, stepped in as interim leader almost immediately. He acknowledges the timing was far from ideal.
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“It was obviously a snap election, which I’m very frustrated about,” Doerkson said in a Saturday interview. “I think British Columbians are too. It takes a little while to get everything in place.”
Despite the pressure, Doerkson took time on Friday to attend the BC Lions game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. There, he met former BC Premier Christy Clark and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. He said the crowd noise made conversation difficult. However, he valued the chance to connect with experienced leaders. “I think that’s a huge advantage,” he said of building those relationships.
Doerkson said he has told people roughly 100 times in recent days that he welcomes advice. “I’m certainly listening to anybody who has advice on how I might be able to change government in this province,” he said.
Party Unity After a Difficult Period
The BC Conservatives faced a very public internal crisis in the weeks leading up to the election call. Caucus members began leaving the party in August, citing concerns about Findlay’s leadership style. Findlay eventually resigned, and the party named Doerkson as interim leader.
Doerkson acknowledged the party went through some “pretty visual” challenges. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in how quickly the team came together. “I really feel like I am best known for being someone that can build a team,” he said. “What we’ve accomplished in a very short time has been a really exciting time for our party.”
Findlay had planned to continue running in a byelection scheduled for Saturday. That byelection was cancelled when Eby called the general election. Findlay has since confirmed she will not run in the provincial election.
Candidates and Campaign Plans Taking Shape
The Conservatives plan to field candidates in all 93 ridings across the province. Doerkson said many “top-notch” people have asked to run. However, the vetting process takes time, and the party is working as quickly as possible.
One candidate slot filled quickly was in West Vancouver-Capilano. Former Conservative leadership candidate Caroline Elliott will run there. Elliott lost to Findlay in May’s leadership runoff by just two percentage points. She becomes the second of the five final leadership contestants to announce a run in the election. Former legislator Peter Milobar is the other, running again in Kamloops-Centre.
Doerkson said a full campaign tour, along with policy announcements and a platform, will follow soon.
NDP and Other Parties Confirm Candidates
Meanwhile, the NDP has confirmed several incumbents will seek re-election. Cabinet ministers Sheila Malcolmson in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, Lisa Beare in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, and Anne Kang in Burnaby Centre are all running again. In contrast, four Eby cabinet ministers, including Ravi Kahlon and Kelly Greene, announced they will not seek re-election.
CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko, currently the MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, announced she will run in Surrey South instead. That riding presents a notable contest. Brent Chapman, who won Surrey South in 2024, is also running there. Chapman is Findlay’s husband. He left the Conservatives for the right-wing OneBC party on the same day Eby called the election. White Rock Mayor Megan Knight will also contest the seat as the Conservative candidate.
Sturko did not hold back in her assessment of Chapman. “I’m embarrassed by the fact that he has been my MLA, and I plan to remedy that,” she said in a statement.
