M.L.A. Amelia Boultbee/Facebook

By Vernon Matters Staff

Political trouble

Okanagan MLA quits B.C. Conservative party amid ongoing caucus turmoil

Oct 20, 2025 | 11:46 AM

Turmoil continues in the B.C. Conservative caucus as Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee is quitting the party to sit as an independent.

Boultbee’s departure is the fifth since last fall’s provincial election, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party.

Her decision follows closely after Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko was expelled by party leader John Rustad over claims she opposed his leadership. Sturko initially denied the allegations but later admitted them.

Boultbee drew attention online by posting a photo with Sturko, sparking speculation she might leave in solidarity. Sturko said she had not discussed Boultbee’s resignation with her but noted some MLAs are frustrated with Rustad.

A leadership review earlier this year kept Rustad in charge with about 71 per cent support, though turnout among party members was low.

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Other recent departures include Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie, removed in March over controversial comments about the Kamloops residential school. MLAs Jordan Kealy and Tara Armstrong resigned shortly afterward. Brodie and Armstrong have since launched the OneB.C. party, while Kealy and Sturko remain independents.