B.C. Conservative Party faces constitutional hurdle as interim leader Lorne Doerkson seeks to retain premiership
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Interim leader Lorne Doerkson says he will remain premier of British Columbia, but the party must amend its constitution to confirm his position after winning a majority.
The Conservative Party of British Columbia won a majority government on Saturday night, yet the party’s rules require a constitutional amendment for interim leader Lorne Doerkson to stay on as party head and premier. Doerkson, who was appointed interim leader in September, told CBC’s Daybreak Kamloops on Monday that he expects to remain in both roles once sworn in, describing the situation as an internal administrative matter.
"It's an administrative situation within the party that they're dealing with right now," Doerkson said, adding that an official announcement was pending.
The party previously announced it would "pursue the appropriate means" under its constitution to ensure Doerkson could continue as premier, stating that a premier chosen by voters deserves certainty of leadership. No confirmation has been received that the required amendment has been completed.
The B.C. Conservatives have experienced rapid leadership changes over the past year, including the resignation of John Rustad in December and the brief tenure of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who stepped down in September. Doerkson assumed the interim role the day after Findlay’s resignation and has since been referred to as the party’s leader rather than interim leader.
Doerkson expressed confidence in his support across the province, saying he feels "pretty good" about the backing he has received.