The upcoming leadership race for the Conservative Party of B.C. will offer members a chance to present a new vision and rebuild unity after weeks of public turmoil, according to interim leader Trevor Halford. He says the party is focused on moving forward following a rare and highly visible split within its caucus earlier this month.

Halford was appointed interim leader on Dec. 3 after the party board removed John Rustad, citing a loss of confidence and describing him as professionally incapacitated. The decision followed months of internal disputes that Conservative MLAs said had hurt fundraising efforts and weakened the party’s public credibility. Rustad disputed the move and briefly continued to act as Opposition leader, creating confusion both inside the legislature and among party members.

The moment became especially apparent when Halford entered the legislative chamber as interim leader while Rustad took the Opposition leader’s seat just minutes later. Neither addressed the situation publicly at the time, and neither spoke during question period. Halford later said his focus that day was on supporting colleagues who were struggling with the uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership.

Rustad formally resigned on Dec. 4, ending the standoff, but Halford described the 48-hour period leading up to that decision as unprecedented in provincial politics. He acknowledged that the episode strained relationships within caucus, many of whom have worked together for years dating back to their time as B.C. Liberals.

Despite the upheaval, Halford says the party has seen a surge in engagement since the leadership dispute was resolved. He points to improved fundraising and an increase in new memberships as signs that supporters want stability and a clear direction heading into the next phase of the party’s development.

The Conservative Party of B.C. is expected to outline rules and timelines for its leadership race in the coming weeks. Political observers say the outcome could shape the tone and strategy of the Official Opposition as it prepares to challenge the NDP government on affordability, public safety, and economic growth.