VANCOUVER — Kerry-Lynne Findlay has been elected leader of the BC Conservatives.
The race went right down to the wire, with Findlay besting Caroline Elliott in the fourth round 51% to 49%.
Here's how it all played out:
More than 1,000 party members have RSVP'd to attend and watch the results come in, with voting results expected to begin rolling out at 6p.m.
Party members are choosing between five candidates: Caroline Elliott, Iain Black, Peter Milobar, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and Yuri Fulmer.
The winner will succeed interim leader Trevor Halford, who has led the party since December following the resignation of former leader John Rustad.
Stay tuned for updates as the results come in.
5:26p.m. –
The room is packed, and people are still funnelling in.
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
We’re told over 1,000 people RSVPd. pic.twitter.com/pq6xj6k6m2
5:39p.m. –
MLA @BruceBanman leads the crowd in the singing of O Canada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/QkHVigSsEm
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
5:40p.m. – BC Conservative President Aisha Estey takes the stage, thanking candidates. She reminds party members that no matter who wins, when the new leader is elected, they’re all on the same team.
5:45p.m. – Interim Leader Trevor Halford takes the stage after his wife Holly made a heartfelt introduction.
5:47p.m. – Halford thanks MLA John Rustad for building the party from the ground up and growing the support it has reached now.
5:58p.m. –
BC Conservative interim leader @TrevHal begins his speech by saying the party and province “owe a debt of gratitude” to John Rustad.
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
The former leader receives a standing ovation. pic.twitter.com/cUzHaZYGUw
How this election works:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
• 100 points per riding
As it stands:
• 9,211 points available
Candidates must reach at least 50% to win.
6:28p.m. –
MP @AaronGunn addresses the crowd:
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
“It’s important to acknowledge that we are gathered here today in the greatest province in the greatest country in the world.”
He goes on to urge members to “keep the party conservative.” pic.twitter.com/GajjpPUSd8
6:40p.m. – First ballot results are in:
Second ballot results are in!
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
1. Findlay @ 2,961.53 points / 32.2%
2. Elliott @ 2.638.74 points / 28.6%
3. Black @ 2,328.21 points / 25.3%
4. Fulmer @ 1,282.52 points / 13.9%
Fulmer has been eliminated.
Third ballot coming soon. pic.twitter.com/omUNmBtb6n
6:51p.m. – As no candidate reached the 50% threshold, a third ballot draw will be made.
Third ballot results are in!
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
1. Findlay @ 3,559.78 points / 38.6%
2. Elliott @ 2,883.71 points / 31.3%
3. Black @ 2,767.51 points / 30%
Black has been eliminated.
Fourth ballot coming soon. pic.twitter.com/n0NzagxTRB
7:05p.m. – Breaking: Kerry-Lynne Findlay has defeated Caroline Elliott 51% to 49% to become the new leader of the BC Conservatives.
BREAKING: Kerry-Lynne Findlay has defeated Caroline Elliott 51% to 49% to become the new leader of the BC Conservatives. pic.twitter.com/tVMotpy7NE
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
7:06p.m. – Kerry-Lynne Findlay addresses the crowd for the first time as Leader of the BC Conservatives.
BC Conservative MLAs and leadership candidates gather on stage to congratulate Kerry-Lynne Findlay. pic.twitter.com/oxXudKQEQs
— Sitka Media (@sitkamedia) May 31, 2026
