MP Aaron Gunn decides against BC Conservative leadership run

Aaron Gunn, the federal Conservative MP for North Island–Powell River, has officially ruled out a bid for the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, ending weeks of speculation.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Aaron Gunn, the federal Conservative MP for North Island–Powell River, has officially ruled out a bid for the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, ending weeks of speculation about his political future.

Gunn announced the decision on December 24, 2025, in a video statement and accompanying post on X, calling it “the toughest decision of my life.”

The first-term MP, elected to Parliament in 2025, said he had been encouraged by “literally thousands” of supporters to run, but ultimately chose to remain in Ottawa and focus on his federal responsibilities.

“As a Member of Parliament, I must consider first and foremost the interests of my constituents and, above all, the interests of our country,” Gunn said.

The BC Conservative leadership became vacant earlier this month after John Rustad was forced out as leader on December 4 amid internal party turmoil.

Gunn quickly emerged as a frontrunner, with a December 2025 Mainstreet Research survey reportedly showing him leading other potential candidates by double digits. Gunn publicly acknowledged in mid-December that he was “seriously considering” a run and planned to decide by Christmas.

In his video, Gunn delivered a sharp critique of the NDP government in British Columbia, blaming it for rising crime, drug addiction, ballooning debt, a struggling resource sector, and a cost-of-living crisis that has priced young families and seniors out of the province.

However, Gunn said leaving Parliament could risk destabilizing the minority government in Ottawa and potentially handing the Liberals an “undemocratic majority” through floor crossings. He also warned that his departure would be spun by media and political opponents as a loss of confidence in Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Gunn pledged to remain active in shaping the conservative movement in BC while continuing to “fight relentlessly” for his riding and for Canadians in the House of Commons.