John Rustad has secured a decisive victory in the British Columbia Conservative Party’s leadership review, with approximately 70.66% of members voting in favor of his continued leadership.

Of the 1,268 eligible voters, 70.66% supported Rustad’s leadership, while 29.34% opposed. Across the province’s 93 ridings, Rustad won in 78, lost in 10, tied in 3, and 2 ridings recorded no votes.

In his remarks following the vote, Rustad expressed gratitude to party members for engaging in the democratic process. He described the review as a way to “localize democracy,” allowing grassroots voices to be heard. “I believe the members have given me a mandate to lead,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to building a “common sense Conservative government.”

The review was overseen by returning officer Mark Robertson, with vote counting conducted by an independent third party. Robertson also coordinated voting logistics throughout the summer, traveling across the province to ensure accessibility.

Alongside the leadership review, members voted on Rustad’s 11-point Leadership Pledge, which received 80.05% approval.

Highlights from the pledge include:

• Strengthening measures against violent crime

• Protecting children in educational settings

• Upholding property rights

• Reducing taxes

• Restricting immigration

• Focusing on economic growth and healthcare reform

Additional proposals outlined in the pledge involve banning “age-inappropriate content” in schools, expediting legal action for random assaults, implementing voter ID requirements, hand-counting ballots, and ending mass immigration policies.

Understanding a Leadership Review

A leadership review is a formal mechanism within a political party to assess whether its current leader continues to hold the confidence of party members. Depending on the party’s rules, it may occur automatically at regular intervals, following an election, or be initiated through a petition by members.

During the review, members typically cast a “yes” or “no” vote on the leader’s future. If the leader fails to meet the required threshold—often a simple majority or a higher benchmark set by the party—it can trigger a leadership contest or prompt the leader to step down.

These reviews serve as a barometer of internal support and overall party cohesion. A strong result can solidify a leader’s authority, while a weaker outcome may expose fractures within the party or spark calls for new direction.