B.C. Conservatives win majority as interim leader Lorne Doerkson moves to secure stable premiership
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Lorne Doerkson says he will remain premier of British Columbia after the party’s majority win, while the Conservatives work through the constitutional steps needed to confirm his role.
The Conservative Party of British Columbia won a majority government on Saturday night, and the only remaining step is a constitutional amendment required 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 matter as an internal administrative process that the party is handling.
"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 said it would "pursue the appropriate means" under its constitution to ensure Doerkson could continue as premier, noting that a premier chosen by voters deserves certainty of leadership. No confirmation has been received that the required amendment has been completed, but the party has made clear it intends to settle the matter properly and move forward.
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, reflecting the need for steady leadership after a period of rapid turnover.
Doerkson expressed confidence in his support across the province, saying he feels "pretty good" about the backing he has received.