June 26, 2025
RED FM News Desk
SURREY, BC – Amid facing a leadership review, British Columbia Opposition Leader John Rustad said he has no regrets about accusing former B.C. Conservatives of blackmail.
Speaking Wednesday after a Conservative caucus meeting in Surrey, where he received support from most of his party’s legislators, Rustad acknowledged he pondered his word choice.
“I do think about whether I should have used the word ‘blackmail.’ That was how staff described it to me,” Rustad stated, adding that it was “unfortunate” the situation had become “very politicized.” He emphasized his intention to protect staff, saying, “I don’t want to say a whole lot more because I’m trying to protect our staff.”
Rustad maintained that he did not exaggerate the claims contained in a letter he sent to his caucus, which is now being examined by police. The allegations stem from claims that three former Conservative Members of the Legislative Assembly attempted to blackmail legislators and staff.
Adding a notable presence to the caucus meeting was former Liberal premier Gordon Campbell. Rustad explained that Campbell was invited to share insights on how he managed internal caucus differences, offering a historical perspective on party dynamics. “There’s nothing like drawing on some experience,” Rustad commented.
The Conservative leader has been under increasing pressure regarding his handling of these allegations. This week, he revealed that the individual who initially relayed the claims to him declined to provide a statement for the police investigation. The three former Conservative MLAs named in the allegations – Dallas Brodie, Tara Armstrong, and Jordan Kealy – have all vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that the claims were merely a diversion from questions surrounding Rustad’s leadership.
Rustad’s leadership is currently subject to a review process, with individual riding associations casting votes on his future, a process expected to continue until December.
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