September 23, 2025
Parteek Singh Mahal
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad is defending his decision to fire high-profile MLA Elenore Sturko just a day after he survived a leadership review with 70.66% support.
In an interview on RED FM’s Harjinder Thind Show, Rustad called the dismissal a difficult but necessary move to ensure party unity. “When a family doesn’t get along and when issues come up, that was the case here,” he said. He described the situation as an “unfortunate” one, but stressed he had to “make decisions that are in the best interest of us as a party.”
While he did not go into specific details about why he fired Sturko, Rustad alluded to a “loyalty issue” and other “unreconcilable” matters. He did not directly confirm or deny allegations that Sturko was leaking confidential information, saying he would “rather not go into the details.” He did, however, say that he does not feel “compelled to explain the rationale” behind his decision, believing most people can “surmise what that would be.”
Rustad acknowledged that Sturko was an “effective critic” and that her move to join the party came at a “critical time.” However, he stated that the caucus needs to act as a “single unit” and not have “issues continually brewing.”
He also addressed concerns about the turnout in the leadership review, which saw 1,268 members vote. Rustad stated that this participation, representing 16-17% of the party’s membership, was “way above” the typical 5-10% turnout for similar reviews in other parties.
When asked if more MLAs might follow Sturko out of the party, he expressed hope they would stay. He concluded by reiterating his goal to create a “united caucus that is fighting in a single direction” to challenge David Eby and the NDP.
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