It’s a wild day in B.C. politics as a release from the Conservative Party of British Columbia suggests that former leader John Rustad has been removed.
However, Rustad is seemingly not accepting the decision, according to a recent post on X.
According to the party’s media release, the decision was certified by the party’s Board of Directors.
“A majority of the Conservative Caucus of British Columbia has informed the party’s legal counsel that they no longer have confidence in the leader of the Official Opposition, John Rustad,” the release says.
“As such, he has been removed as leader of the Official Opposition.”
The B.C. Conservatives have named Trevor Halford as the new interim leader.
Rustad has been actively campaigning against Premier David Eby and the NDP Party on social media almost daily.
I was on the @MikeSmythNews show today talking about David Eby’s pipeline nonsense.
Eby now says he’s “open” to a pipeline in B.C. as long as the tanker ban stays in place, that’s like building an airport and banning runways.
The Assembly of First Nations doesn’t get a veto… pic.twitter.com/dM7fp1ffdM
— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) December 2, 2025
The Conservative Party of British Columbia says that Rustad is “professionally incapacitated and is unable to continue as party leader.”
Despite the seemingly harsh words, the party also extended its “deepest gratitude” to Rustad, “who led our party into its ascendence and made history. We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter.”
The Conservative Party will now start the process of a leadership race to find a new full-time leader.
Rustad nearly upset Eby in the last provincial election but finally conceded in late October 2024.
— Conservative Party of BC (@Conservative_BC) December 3, 2025
“I accept the results of this election. I thank our Elections BC workers for their hard and dedicated work. While there are still judicial recounts to be completed, it’s now clear that our party will not win enough seats to form government in B.C.,” Rustad shared in a post.
Rustad has publicly opposed the decision.
I have not resigned, I have not been removed, and I am not going anywhere. A political party’s board can throw around whatever creative terminology they like, ‘professional incapacitation’? Give me a break
Let me be clear : That’s not a constitutional mechanism
— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) December 3, 2025
Update: Rustad removed the X post denying his resignation, which stated, “I have not resigned, I have not been removed, and I am not going anywhere. A political party’s board can throw around whatever creative terminology they like, ‘professional incapacitation’? Give me a break.”