Findlay Defies Expectations to Win BC Conservative Leadership

Kerry-Lynne Findlay delivered a surprise win in the BC Conservative leadership race this weekend, leading every round of voting before defeating Caroline Elliott on the fourth and final ballot with 51 percent of the final vote.

The outcome ran against expectations, with many political observers having identified Elliott as the frontrunner heading into the weekend.

‍A lawyer who served in Stephen Harper's cabinet, Findlay more recently sat as a federal MP and chief whip and was a close western ally of Pierre Poilievre before losing her seat in last year's federal election. She campaigned on lower taxes, smaller government, and tougher sentencing, casting the Conservatives as the vehicle for change in a province she says has been held back by the NDP.

‍The issue of property rights and Indigenous title was central during the campaign. Findlay pledged to repeal the province's DRIPA legislation and was extremely critical of the NDP's inability to respond to what has become a central and controversial issue in BC politics. Findlay replaces John Rustad, who stepped down in December after months of internal turmoil that pushed the BC Conservative caucus down from 44 seats to 39 as members quit or were removed.

‍After spending years on the margins the Conservatives have surged to displace the former BC Liberals, who rebranded as BC United and went dormant before the 2024 election. The BC Conservative Party now claims the largest membership in the province along with a cleared debt and a growing war chest. While its current polling lead suggests a Conservative victory if an election were held today, the BC NDP is most likely celebrating this outcome.

‍Findlay's victory solidifies the party's conservative base but also raises new questions about its ability to hold together moderates, including former BC Liberals, under the same tent. BC United remains a registered political party in British Columbia, and its future relevance will depend on whether progressive conservatives and more centrist voters feel they still have a home within the BC Conservative coalition under Findlay's leadership.

‍Premier David Eby's NDP still clings to a razor-thin majority after his narrow victory in October 2024, which leaves his government vulnerable to losing confidence votes and political missteps. New West will be watching closely to see how Findlay manages her caucus and how the public responds to her leadership.

‍Findlay may well be the next premier of British Columbia. Either way, the decisions she makes in the coming months will shape the province's political and policy landscape heading into the next election.

‍Whether your organization is monitoring regulatory changes, public policy, Indigenous relations, energy development or broader political risk, now is the time to understand what a Findlay-led Conservative government could mean.

The New West team is closely tracking these developments and is ready to help your organization navigate what's next.