BC Cons leadership race tightens as MLAs bow out, endorse rivals
FORT ST. JOHN – It’s been a busy weekend on the Conservative Party of BC’s leadership campaign trail, with candidates visiting communities around the province, including Peter Milobar’s visit to the Peace Region.
In a twist that consolidates the field for party voters, two incumbent MLAs have exited the race and endorsed two of the non-MLA contenders, leaving fewer – but possibly stronger - choices.
The first to drop out was Bruce Banman (MLA for Abbotsford-South), who was scheduled to visit the Peace Region next month. Banman has thrown his support behind entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer who held a meet and greet in Fort St. John on January 12.
In a statement released on Sunday, Banman said that the decision comes after careful consideration of what the party needs to win and what British Columbia needs in the years ahead.
“Yuri is the real deal,” he continued. “He’s a true conservative who understands exactly what it is going to take to get our province back on track. Conservatives need a fresh face who can inject new energy into our party as we grow our base and deliver a positive message to British Columbians.
“I’m endorsing Yuri Fulmer today because he is exactly the kind of leader who can unite Conservatives, defeat the NDP and inspire confidence about the future of our Party and our province.”
Of Banman’s decision to suspend his campaign, and lend his competitor his support, Fulmer said: “Today, I was honoured to have MLA Bruce Banman suspend his campaign and endorse me for Leader of the Conservative Party of BC. And I’m proud to welcome Bruce to Team Fulmer as a Campaign Co-Chair.
“Bruce has been a principled Conservative fighter from the beginning. He helped build this Party when the political establishment dismissed us. And he knows exactly what’s at stake in this leadership race.”
“After years of economic stagnation, rising costs and policies that have made life harder for families and small businesses, British Columbians are ready for change,” Fulmer said. “If we are serious about defeating the NDP, protecting our party and building a better BC, we need strong leadership and a clear vision. With Bruce on Team Fulmer, we can and will deliver.”
Hot on Banman’s heels, Harman Bhangu (MLA for Langley-Abbotsford) announced on Monday morning that he too, was withdrawing from the leadership race and threw in with commentator Caroline Elliot.
In a video statement posted on X, Bhangu said: “Caroline is the only candidate who can unite the conservatives and defeat the NDP, and that is the mission.
“Caroline and I share the same ideas about the future of this province: Commonsense in our schools, prosperity for working families, respect for private property, and a government that actually listens to British Columbians,” he said.
Elliot said that she is grateful to have his support and that Bhangu has been a key figure in the Party from the beginning.
In a separate statement, Elliot said: “For too long, Conservatives have been bickering with each other, allowing the BC NDP a free hand to push the province further in the wrong direction.
“Ballooning budget deficits and higher taxes. Attacks on your private property rights. Activist tribunals punishing free speech. Radical activism taught to your children in our public schools.
“British Columbians need to come together,” she said.
“That’s why I’m excited to welcome Harman Bhangu to my team. Harman is a fearless, principled and unapologetic conservative. He helped build up the Conservatives as a real, grassroots alternative to the NDP.”
The next steps in the leadership campaign for all candidates are meeting the leadership entry fee deadlines of $40,000 due April 1 and $60,000 due April 18, ahead of the May 30 preferential ballot vote.
In the meantime, look for more visits to the Peace Region from the remaining seven candidates as they all look to shore up support amongst the Party faithful.
Thanks for reading! Original work by Tania Finch. If you’re inspired by this piece, feel free to share with credit and a link back — that’s how local stories spread fairly.