B.C. Conservative leader Rustad faces caucus revolt as 20 members calls for his removal

December 3, 2025

RED FM News Desk

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad is facing a significant challenge to his leadership, as twenty members of his 39-member caucus have formally called for his removal.

The demand, representing a majority of the caucus, was communicated in a letter sent from lawyer Bruce Hallsor to Aisha Estey, the president of the Conservative Party of B.C. The letter states the MLAs have lost confidence in Rustad and are calling for the appointment of an interim leader.

Estey has authenticated the letter, which notes that while the identity of the 20 MLAs is currently being kept confidential, the lawyer is in possession of their “individually executed” statements.

This caucus revolt follows prior calls for Rustad’s resignation from the party’s board members and riding executives. In September, Estey and six other members of the party’s management committee urged him to step down, citing that turmoil under his leadership had undermined the party’s credibility.

Rustad, however, has stated he will not resign. He has pointed to the results of a September leadership review where he earned 70.6 per cent support among voting members. He also cites the party’s constitution, which stipulates that the leader can only be removed by resignation, death, incapacitation, or a leadership review.