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BC Conservatives Name Lorne Doerkson Interim Leader

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 10:58 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

BC Conservative Party appointed Lorne Doerkson interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned.
The Conservative caucus grew to 29 members as five expelled or quit MLAs rejoined.
CentreBC led by Peter Milobar now holds eight MLAs and is the legislature’s third-largest party.
Premier David Eby told his caucus to be election ready as snap-election talks rise.
A poll shows the NDP leading Conservatives 41% to 36% among decided and leaning voters.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 British Columbia general election, held on October 17, 1991, ushered the New Democratic Party under Mike Harcourt into power. The NDP secured 54 of 75 legislative seats, a 46 % share, while the long-dominant Social Credit Party fell to seven seats. The BC Conservative Party, 29 MLAs after expelled members returned, installed Lorne Doerkson as leader following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation, while David Eby urges election readiness. That historic realignment showed how leadership turnover and party fragmentation can trigger dramatic electoral swings, suggesting the current caucus reshuffle may reshape BC’s next vote.

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Story summary

BC Conservative Party appointed Lorne Doerkson interim leader after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned.
The Conservative caucus grew to 29 members as five expelled or quit MLAs rejoined.
CentreBC led by Peter Milobar now holds eight MLAs and is the legislature’s third-largest party.
Premier David Eby told his caucus to be election ready as snap-election talks rise.
A poll shows the NDP leading Conservatives 41% to 36% among decided and leaning voters.

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