Lorne Doerkson set to become British Columbia premier after Conservative win
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Interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson said he will form a government after a majority election victory, signaling a decisive shift as British Columbians rejected the NDP and backed a stronger conservative direction.
Interim leader of the British Columbia Conservative Party Lorne Doerkson said he will assume the role of premier after his party secured a majority of seats in the snap provincial election called by outgoing Premier David Eby. Doerkson, who has represented the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding since 2020, delivered a victory speech on Saturday night.
Doerkson, a former newspaper publisher and auto dealer, described his political journey as a series of setbacks and recoveries, emphasizing the grit, resilience, and practical experience that helped carry him to this moment. > "I have watched a lot of people get thrown at a rodeo and I’ll say I’ve been thrown a few times myself. But what I’ve learned is you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and you get back on," he said.
He added that his rise to the leadership was unexpected, underscoring how quickly voters can rally behind a candidate who was not planning on this role but was ready when opportunity came. > "I didn’t expect this, I certainly didn’t seek this and I certainly did not plan two years ago to somehow put all of these stars into alignment. Politics every day is an exciting day and the next one you have no idea what is about to happen," Doerkson told reporters.
After assuming the interim leadership on September 20, Doerkson focused on reuniting members who had left the party for the newly formed CentreBC party. Throughout the campaign, opinion polls showed the Conservatives ahead of the NDP, which was led by Premier Eby.
Doerkson’s background includes work as a local newspaper publisher and experience as a rodeo rider, which he said informs his perspective on health-care issues in a region affected by wildfires and hospital emergency-room closures. His roots in small business and rural life may resonate with voters looking for common-sense leadership and a practical response to local problems.
In his speech, Doerkson thanked Premier Eby for his public service and acknowledged Green Party leader Emily Lowan for her contributions to youth engagement. He received applause from the audience.
Local businessman Scott Tucker, who has known Doerkson for about 15 years, described him as collaborative and open to input from others, citing his involvement in community and Rotary activities.