Following the resignation of Conservative Party of British Columbia leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay on September 20, 2026, the party may hold a leadership election in the coming months. The day after Findlay's resignation, Lorne Doerkson was named interim leader, and the following day the 2026 British Columbia general election was called. The party's board of directors has since said that Doerkson will be made permanent leader if he becomes premier of British Columbia following the general election, though the board of directors does not have the authority to make a required change to the party’s constitution to allow for this.
Background Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned as party leader on September 20, 2026. She remained the candidate for the 2026 Abbotsford-Mission provincial by-election which was to occur on September 26, 2026, triggered by the resignation of Reann Gasper. The by-election was cancelled, as a result of the calling of the 2026 British Columbia general election.
Timeline 2026 May 30 - The 2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election occurs, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay is announced as the winner. August 22 - Reann Gasper announces her resignation as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. August 29 - A by-election is called for Abbotsford-Mission, shortly later Findlay announces her candidacy. September 18 - Peter Milobar becomes leader of CentreBC. September 20 - Findlay announces her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party. September 21 - Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, is named interim leader by the party's board of directors. September 22 The 2026 British Columbia general election is called. Interim leader Lorne Doerkson announces in a press conference that he is running for the office of premier, and he will continue to serve as premier if the Conservatives win the mandate. September 23 - The party's board of directors releases a statement saying it will make Doerkson permanent leader if he becomes premier of British Columbia following the general election. NDP MLA and attorney general Niki Sharma has since questioned the legality of such steps by the board, saying they could be challenged in court. October 24 - The 2026 British Columbia general election occurs.
Potential candidates Lorne Doerkson, incumbent interim leader and MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin since 2020.
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