Elenore Sturko has emerged as the sole leader of CentreBC following the mass departure of seven of the party's eight MLAs. The legislators have rejoined the British Columbia Conservatives just days after the formation of the new party, ahead of the October 24 election called by NDP Leader David Eby.
Seven MLAs desert CentreBC for the BC Conservatives
The mass exodus of legislators has left CentreBC with only one incumbent MLA.. As reported, the decision by seven MLAs to return to the BC Conservatives came only three days after they had initially found a political home in CentreBC. Former CentreBC leader Peter Milobar was among those who rejoined the Conservatives, describing the party as a "viable, serious, legitimate voting option" that will focus on public safety , health care, and economic issues.
CentreBC was originally established in March 2025 by former BC United legislator Karin Kirkpatrick. While the party briefly grew to include eight legislators, the recent movement suggests a rapid consolidation of power back toward the established BC Conservatives under the leadership of John Rustad. This shift follows a period of intense political maneuvering triggered by the recent call for a snap election.
Andrew Weaver's return to Oak Bay-Gordon Head
Former Green leader Andrew Weaver has joined CentreBC as a high-profile recruit for the upcoming election. Weaver intends to run in the Oak Bay-Gordon Head riding, a constittuency he represented for more than seven years until 2020.
Weaver's decision to run under the CentreBC banner is driven by a desire to support democracy following David Eby's call for an early election. While Weaver has expressed respect for the BC Conservatives , he noted that the party has spent the last two years "throwing grenades at each other ," making it an unviable option for his candidacy .. He stated that he decided to get behind Sturko because of the respect he holds for her decision to stand by the party.
Elenore Sturko's fight for political independence
Elenore Sturko's leadership of CentreBC marks a significant moment in her personal political trajectory. a former RCMP officer, Sturko had previously been expelled from the BC Conservative caucus by John Rustad, who accused her of plotting against his leadership.
Sturko described the recent political shifts as an "emotional roller-coaster." In an interview, she noted that the meeting with Peter Milobar and the other departing MLAs was not hostile but included "a few tears ." Despite being left to fend for herself politically for a second time, Sturko expressed pride in her decision to stay true to her principles rather than returning to the Conservatives.
Can a single-MLA party survive the October 24 election?
The viability of CentreBC remains an open question as the October 24 election approaches.. With only one incumbent MLA left, the party must determine if it can still attract voters from both the left and the right who feel unrepresented by the major political players.
It remains unclear how the party will manage its campaign resources or maintain momentum with such a diminished caucus. Furthermore, the source does not specify if the departure of the seven MLAs will impact the party's ability to field a full slate of candidates or if the recruitment of Andrew Weaver will be sufficient to offset the loss of institutional support.
Comments 0