Former BC Conservative leader John Rustad will not seek re-election

Former BC Conservative leader John Rustad will not seek re-election in his riding in the Oct. 24 provincial election, with the party expected to nominate a new candidate there.

The political development comes as the BC Conservatives announced business and political leader Pavneet Singh as their candidate in Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream. Singh currently serves as the party’s vice-president.

The party’s board of directors has also outlined its position on the leadership of interim leader Lorne Doerkson. According to a statement from the board, if Doerkson leads the party to victory in the Oct. 24 election and becomes premier, the party intends to make him its permanent leader.

Under the party’s current rules, an interim leader cannot remain permanently in the position. The board said it intends to make the necessary changes to the party’s constitution and bylaws, subject to the applicable requirements under the Societies Act.