The British Columbia Conservative Party has appointed MLA Trevor Halford as its interim leader, a move that follows a caucus vote to remove former leader John Rustad, who officially submitted his resignation on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
A Unifying Figure Steps Forward
Described by former Surrey mayor and MP Dianne Watts as a "calm and articulate progressive conservative," Halford is seen as a stabilizing force for the party. Watts, who has known him for years, emphasized his collaborative nature.
"He really has the ability to bring people together and focus on the issues at hand," said Watts. "He's definitely not a divisive person, and he focuses on the issues and brings people together. And I think that certainly is a skill set that is needed at this juncture."
From Caretaker to Key Player
Halford, the MLA for Surrey-White Rock, was first elected in 2020 under the B.C. Liberal banner. After the party rebranded to B.C. United and later withdrew from the 2024 election, he ran and was re-elected as a Conservative. Upon his interim appointment, he made it clear he views his role as a caretaker and is not interested in pursuing the leadership position permanently.
Under Rustad's leadership, Halford gained experience as the shadow minister for several critical portfolios, including:
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Mental Health and Addictions
His political background extends beyond the legislature, having worked for former premier Christy Clark and served as director of public affairs for TransCanada Pipelines.
A Reset for the Party
Analysts view Halford's appointment as a potential reset for the party following a period of internal turmoil. Stewart Prest, a political science lecturer at UBC, noted that Halford is respected and can provide stability during this transitional phase.
"I think he is seen as somebody who can speak for more middle of the road conservatives, but clearly also is seen to be trusted by enough of the caucus to steer the party through what is a very tumultuous and still uncertain period," Prest stated.
Watts believes Halford's approach will differ significantly from that of the ousted Rustad, suggesting his leadership style is precisely what the party needs to regroup and refocus on its core objectives as it determines its future permanent leadership.
