B.C. Conservatives Say Lorne Doerkson Could Remain Leader for Years Without Leadership Vote

The B.C. Conservatives say interim leader Lorne Doerkson could remain at the helm of the party for years without a leadership vote if the Conservatives win the Oct. 24 provincial election.

According to a legal opinion obtained by the party, Doerkson would be invited by the Lieutenant-Governor to serve as premier if the Conservatives form government. He could then remain party leader until the board decides to call a leadership election, a process that could take 18 months or longer.

The legal opinion, prepared for the party and sent to president Mauro Francis, says the party’s constitution requires a leadership election to be called within 12 months of a leader’s resignation, but the timing of the actual vote could be extended.

The opinion comes after the B.C. NDP questioned whether the Conservatives could guarantee who would serve as premier if they win the election. The Conservatives have said they intend to use the party’s constitutional rules and the Societies Act to ensure Doerkson remains leader if he becomes premier.