The number of candidates vying for the leadership of the B.C. Conservatives has fallen to seven after two candidates dropped out of the race and endorsed their political opponents.
Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman and Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu both announced their withdrawals from the race this week and each member of the provincial legislature has endorsed different candidates for the top spot.
Banman has announced his support for candidate Yuri Fulmer, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, while Bhangu has opted to endorse Caroline Elliott, a political commentator and former B.C. United vice president.
Banman said he was backing Fulmer due to his history of success in the private sector, saying he understands how to revitalize the economy.
“We need a fresh face who can bring new energy as our party grows,” Banman said in a March 15 social media post. “I believe Yuri can protect our party, defeat the NDP, and inspire confidence in BC’s future.”
Bhangu says he has decided to back Elliott because he believes she is the only candidate who can unite the Conservative party.
“Far too long, conservatives in British Columbia have been fighting each other, and while we fight the BC NDP keeps pushing this province’s future in the wrong direction,” he said in a March 16 social media video alongside Elliott.
“Caroline and I share the same ideas about the future of this province: common sense in our schools, prosperity for working families, respect for private property, and a government that actually listens to British Columbians.”
Also still running are former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, contractor Warren Hamm, former Save-on-Foods executive Darrell Jones, and current BC Conservative MLA Peter Milobar, who is now the only sitting legislator seeking the leadership of the official Opposition.
The top spot in B.C.’s Conservative party was left vacant after former leader John Rustad resigned from the position last December.
The party’s board of directors appointed Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford as interim leader on Dec. 3, 2025, after a leadership review that saw internal party disputes and a caucus revolt.
The party launched its 2026 leadership race on Jan. 16, when it announced the rules, procedures, and the final voting date.
The candidates still in the running for the top spot must pay $40,000 by April 1, then another $60,000 on or before April 18, to remain in the race.
The race rules say a vote for the new leader will take place sometime on or after May 9 and the new leader, who will also serve as the leader of the official Opposition, is scheduled to be announced on May 30.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
