Rustad says ‘dirty trick’ by BC United may have cost Conservatives election victory

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Rustad says BC United’s strategy “actively worked to elect the NDP,” and the Conservatives were at the time just one seat short of forming government.

Last seen Monday

Police asking for help locating missing man

23m ago

Water Supply, Drought Concerns

Okanagan snowpack falls to 58 per cent of normal

25m ago

Vandalism

Polson Place mall windows smashed by rocks

21h ago

Elections BC says evidence confirms the website and mail out were organized by BC United’s campaign manager, who it did not name, but who was Mark Werner, now managing the campaign of Conservative leadership contender Peter Milobar.

The website was set up in August 2024, before BC United folded its campaign and leader Kevin Falcon called for voters to support Rustad’s Conservatives instead.

Rustad also does not name Werner, but says Milobar’s campaign manager was “in the middle of this betrayal.”

“The BC Conservatives need leadership that puts this province first, before disgusting old-guard politics,” Rustad says.

“Remember this when choosing your next leader for the BC Conservatives.”

Rustad also singles out BC United’s former vice-president Caroline Elliott, now vying for the Conservative leadership, saying she “wants to take over” the party. Elliott is Falcon’s sister-in-law.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2026.

Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press