John Rustad will not run for re-election in B.C.

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad will not seek another term in the upcoming provincial election, according to the party. Rustad represents Nechako Lakes and had already stepped down as party leader last year after leading the Conservatives through the 2024 campaign. Rustad said on social media that it was time for an older generation of politicians to make way for new voices. The party thanked him for helping build the Conservatives into a stronger force after he joined in 2023. His decision comes as several other wellknown B.C. politicians are also leaving the race, including four former NDP cabinet ministers and B.C. Green leader Emily Lowan, who is running in Saanich North and the Islands. Former Green leader Andrew Weaver is also entering the contest as a CentreBC candidate.