Half of the BC Conservative Party’s 2024 voters want leader John Rustad to step down, even as his party remains locked in a statistical tie with the governing BC NDP, according to new data from the Angus Reid Institute.
The poll, conducted October 23 to 25, found 48 percent of 2024 Conservative voters and 41 percent of current supporters believe Rustad should resign. The call for new leadership follows weeks of internal strife — including the resignation of five MLAs since the 2024 election and a letter from the party’s management committee demanding Rustad’s departure, which he has rejected.
Despite the turmoil, the BC Conservatives sit at 41 percent in vote intention, compared with 40 percent for the BC NDP. The BC Greens trail at 11 percent, while new parties OneBC and CentreBC register in the single digits.
The results suggest British Columbians remain divided and frustrated with both major parties. Fifty-six percent say they are dissatisfied with Premier David Eby’s government, and 53 percent believe the province is on the wrong track.
The Angus Reid Institute notes the BC Conservatives’ support, while steady, has softened since last year as leadership questions continue to overshadow the party’s near-upset in the 2024 provincial election.
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