B.C. Conservatives appoint Lorne Doerkson interim leader as former caucus members return

The B.C. Conservative caucus has unanimously selected Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson as interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned Sunday afternoon. Doerkson said Monday that he accepted the nomination to lead the Official Opposition on an interim basis and would focus on moving the party forward.

Findlay resigned after several turbulent weeks in which 14 MLAs either left the caucus or were asked to leave. Doerkson said some former members would return, without identifying them. Former party leader John Rustad, former interim leader Trevor Halford, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis, Skeena MLA Claire Rattée and Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner have all committed to rejoin the Conservatives.

Eight other former MLAs have joined Centre BC, now led by Peter Milobar. Several Conservatives say senior-level discussions are under way between Centre BC and the B.C. Conservative Party about possible unification. MLA Gavin Dew said communication channels are open and that Doerkson's elevation followed a unanimous caucus vote.

Rustad said Doerkson invited him back shortly after taking the interim leadership and that he accepted Monday afternoon. He said he would help the new leadership if asked but would not impose his former vision on the party. Rustad also called for unity among the factions and said former B.C. Liberal leaders Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark should stay out of the matter.

The developments come amid speculation that Premier David Eby could call a snap election. Doerkson said the caucus is ready for an election. Former B.C. Conservative executive director Angelo Isidorou said that if Doerkson ran in a snap election and the Conservatives won, the party could amend its constitution to make his leadership permanent; otherwise, he would have to resign and allow a leadership contest to begin.