December 17, 2025
RED FM News Desk
MLA Gavin Dew has officially announced that he will not be entering the race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, citing family priorities and his commitment to his current constituents.
In a statement, Dew expressed his deep affection for the province but emphasized that his role as a father comes first. “As much as I love this province, I love my children more, and right now, my family needs me,” Dew said, explaining his decision to remain on the sidelines of the leadership contest.
Dew stated that his immediate focus will remain on serving the people of Kelowna and fulfilling his role as the party’s critic for Jobs and the Economy. He underscored the importance of preparing the party for the next provincial election, asserting that British Columbians are “exhausted” by David Eby’s NDP government.
“The NDP needs to be defeated, and for that to happen, everyone needs to unite,” Dew remarked. He added that the party’s next leader must be someone who deeply understands the economy and the needs of everyday citizens, offering a positive vision to move British Columbia forward.
Dew’s announcement comes during a period of significant instability for the BC Conservatives. The leadership vacancy was created earlier this month following the dramatic resignation of John Rustad.
Rustad’s departure followed an internal caucus revolt and a scathing assessment from the party’s board of directors, which formally declared him “professionally incompetent.” The internal rift has left the party searching for a new figurehead who can bridge the gap between various factions while building momentum to challenge the sitting NDP government.
With Dew—a high-profile figure in the party—opting out, the race remains wide open for other potential contenders to step forward.
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