Victoria (Rajeev Sharma): Trevor Halford says the upcoming leadership race for the Conservative Party of British Columbia will be an opportunity to clarify the party’s direction and restore cohesion after weeks of internal turmoil that briefly left the party with competing claims to its top job.
Halford stepped into the role of interim leader on December 3 after the party’s board appointed him amid mounting tensions within caucus. Earlier that day, a majority of Conservative MLAs publicly withdrew their support from then-leader John Rustad, citing ongoing disputes that had affected fundraising and damaged the party’s public standing. The board later stated that Rustad was no longer able to effectively perform his duties.
The situation took an unusual turn inside the legislature when Rustad, despite the board’s decision and the caucus revolt, took his seat as Opposition leader. For a short period, the party appeared divided between two leaders — one backed by the caucus and party executive, and the other asserting support from grassroots members. Neither addressed the other during proceedings.
Reflecting on that moment, Halford said his focus was on supporting colleagues who were struggling with the unfolding events rather than the symbolism of the situation. He described the days leading up to Rustad’s resignation on December 4 as extraordinary and emotionally taxing for those involved.
Since then, Halford says the party has begun to stabilize. He noted improved fundraising activity and a rise in new memberships, describing the mood as forward-looking despite the strain left by the conflict.
“There’s no ignoring the personal and professional toll this took on people,” Halford said in a year-end interview. “But we have a responsibility to British Columbians to move past it and do our job.”
Rustad resigned citing a desire to prevent further division, warning that prolonged infighting could fracture a party that had recently come close to forming government. His departure also brought renewed attention to ideological differences within the Conservative caucus — a challenge Halford acknowledged is not unique to his party.
As interim leader, Halford said his priority is to ensure the Conservatives function as a credible alternative government while holding Premier David Eby’s NDP administration to account. He pointed to issues such as health care pressures, housing affordability, forestry concerns and public safety as areas where he believes the province is losing ground.
He also reiterated concerns over private property rights following recent court rulings and renewed calls for the legislature to revisit the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, though he stressed that the party’s platform must extend beyond a single issue.
“The leadership race is where that broader vision really starts to take shape,” Halford said, adding that unity would be essential going forward.
Several names have been circulating as potential contenders, including current and former federal Conservatives, business leaders and sitting MLAs, though none have formally declared their candidacy. Halford said he is confident the caucus will rally behind whoever emerges victorious.
He rejected the idea that rigid ideological labels define the party’s future, arguing instead that voters are looking for practical solutions rather than partisan positioning.
“Most people aren’t thinking in terms of left or right,” Halford said. “They’re looking at their lives and asking whether things are getting better or worse. This leadership contest will be about showing how we can stand with British Columbians when they’re looking for change.”
