B.C. Conservative leadership field narrows as MLA Gavin Dew opts out
The race for the Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership just got smaller after Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew announced Wednesday he will not seek the party’s top job.
The race for the Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership just got smaller after Kelowna-Mission MLA Gavin Dew announced Wednesday he will not seek the party’s top job despite rumours swirling that he was considering a bid.
In a statement posted to X on Wednesday, Dew cited family considerations as the deciding factor.
“I love this province, but I love my kids more,” he wrote, adding that while political roles are temporary, family must remain a priority.
Dew said his children are at a pivotal stage of their lives and require his full attention.
His decision comes amid continued upheaval within the party, following the removal of John Rustad as leader and his subsequent resignation. Surrey–White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has since been appointed interim leader.
“Politics is a team sport, and there is plenty of important work to go around,” Dew added. “I’m committed to standing up for the people of Kelowna, to my critical role focusing on jobs and the economy, and to ensuring our party is ready to win the next election.”
It remains unknown when a leadership race will occur or what its terms and mechanics will be.
Although he hasn’t made his intentions to run official yet, federal Conservative MP Aaron Gunn has captured the majority of backers to be the next leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia according to an online survey from Juno News.