Thursday, March 19, 2026
ADVT 
National

Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Mar, 2026 11:19 AM
  • Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out

The number of candidates running for the leadership of the British Columbia Conservatives has shrunk to seven.

Bruce Banman and Harman Bhangu, both members of the provincial legislature, have dropped out of the race. 

Banman says he is endorsing candidate Yuri Fulmer because the entrepreneur is the only candidate with a "proven track record" in the private sector, who knows how to kick-start the economy.

Bhangu has thrown his support behind Caroline Elliott, saying he agrees with her ideas about "common sense" in schools, prosperity for working families and respect for private property.

Also still running are contractor Warren Hamm, former Save-on-Foods executive Darrell Jones, and current MLA Peter Milobar, who is now the only sitting legislator vying for the leadership of the official Opposition.

Milobar says on social media that he is the only candidate, who "would win a strong, clear" majority government, pointing to recent polling.

The remaining candidates must pay $40,000 by April 1, then another $60,000 on or before April 18, to remain in the race, with the leader to be announced on May 30.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Conservative Party of British Columbia

MORE National ARTICLES

Minister Ravi Kahlon hosts Look West Roundtable in Surrey

Minister Ravi Kahlon hosts Look West Roundtable in Surrey
Held at the Surrey Civic Hotel, the roundtable focused on the B.C. Government’s Look West strategy and the recent trade mission to India led by Premier David Eby and Minister Kahlon. The discussion was well received and fostered meaningful dialogue between government and the business community.

Minister Ravi Kahlon hosts Look West Roundtable in Surrey

Candidate says he plans to run for Conservatives in Poilievre's former riding

Candidate says he plans to run for Conservatives in Poilievre's former riding
Blair Turner, a police officer from the Ottawa area, says he plans to run for the Conservative nomination in Pierre Poilievre's former riding of Carleton.

Candidate says he plans to run for Conservatives in Poilievre's former riding

B.C. seeks to appeal DRIPA ruling in top court, says 'core democratic values' at risk

B.C. seeks to appeal DRIPA ruling in top court, says 'core democratic values' at risk
A First Nations leader says the British Columbia government wants amendments that propose a "gutting" of its own reconciliation legislation.

B.C. seeks to appeal DRIPA ruling in top court, says 'core democratic values' at risk

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada
Canada's closest physical neighbours are in an escalating dispute that risks breaking the military alliance that has protected the nations of the North Atlantic for decades.

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada

New Greenland consulate sparks hopes for joint action on climate change, defence

New Greenland consulate sparks hopes for joint action on climate change, defence
The launch of a new Canadian diplomatic mission in Greenland is sparking hopes for more collaboration on climate change, Inuit rights and defence in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's annexation threats.

New Greenland consulate sparks hopes for joint action on climate change, defence

Despite job losses, shrinking labour force lowers unemployment rate in January

Despite job losses, shrinking labour force lowers unemployment rate in January
Fewer people were looking for work in January, driving the unemployment rate lower despite job losses in the month, Statistics Canada said Friday.

Despite job losses, shrinking labour force lowers unemployment rate in January