Sunday, March 22, 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

Carney to meet with cabinet in Quebec City before Parliament resumes

Carney to meet with cabinet in Quebec City before Parliament resumes
Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Quebec City on Thursday for two days of private meetings with his cabinet to prepare for Parliament's return next week. 

Carney to meet with cabinet in Quebec City before Parliament resumes

Premier Eby says new markets, reforms will help forestry, but results will take time

Premier Eby says new markets, reforms will help forestry, but results will take time
Premier David Eby says a recent agreement advancing wood construction in China will deliver results for the forestry industry in British Columbia, but also acknowledges that it will take "time, energy and commitment" to create a sustainable industry.

Premier Eby says new markets, reforms will help forestry, but results will take time

Carney's speech to World Economic Forum draws praise, calls for action

Carney's speech to World Economic Forum draws praise, calls for action
Prime Minister Mark Carney's call at the World Economic Forum for middle powers to band together against economic coercion by "great powers" is drawing both praise and pushback.

Carney's speech to World Economic Forum draws praise, calls for action

Trump says Carney is not 'grateful' in Davos speech

Trump says Carney is not 'grateful' in Davos speech
U.S. President Donald Trump said Prime Minister Mark Carney is not "grateful" during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Trump says Carney is not 'grateful' in Davos speech

Carney wraps up his world tour today with meetings in Switzerland

Carney wraps up his world tour today with meetings in Switzerland
Prime Minister Mark Carney is wrapping up his nine-day trip around the world — a tour aimed at drumming up investment abroad that has attracted some cross-partisan criticism.

Carney wraps up his world tour today with meetings in Switzerland

Metro Vancouver bridge linking Westham Island damaged, closed to vehicle traffic

Metro Vancouver bridge linking Westham Island damaged, closed to vehicle traffic
Vehicle access to a Metro Vancouver island has been cut off after its only bridge to other communities was closed due to an incident involving a marine vessel.

Metro Vancouver bridge linking Westham Island damaged, closed to vehicle traffic