Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare is taking a stab at the BC Conservatives leadership race.
Clare is looking to replace John Rustad, who was ousted as leader back in December but still remains the party’s Nechako Lakes MLA.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Clare believes having someone with northern ties leading the way is crucial.
“It needs to be made clear in British Columbia where the resources come from and that they need to be allocated fairly in the province, it’s important that we have leaderships that understands a provincial vision as well as a regional one.”
Clare believes he is a good fit for the top job if chosen.
“I think I have some skills to offer, which are needed and I decided after speaking with some folks that it would be wise for me to put my hat in the ring.”
“I thought to myself that I would work well with this team and to make use of and I’d really like to make sure that we hold the NDP accountable for all the terrible things they have done to the province over the last several years.”
He adds this is not the B.C. Liberal party of years gone by and said the state of the Conservatives is quite healthy despite some of the in-house turmoil that occurred for much of 2025.
“This is something new and different and we have had a few growing pains but I think we are past those growing pains and we are into political maturity that is going to serve us well.”
“Looking at the party and where it has been sitting I have seen some things that I thought needed to be improved and when I offered to make suggestions some were taken well while others were not.”
Clare also sits as the Critic for Environment, Parks, Emergency Management & Climate Readiness.
Currently, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford is serving as the party’s interim leader.
Earlier this week, the party launched a new Leadership Election Organizing Committee, which will include Skeena MLA Claire Rattee.
Clare joins Vancouver-based philanthropist and entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer who have put their names forward for the party’s leadership.
In addition, Rossland contractor Warren Hamm also said last month he plans to run for the Conservative leadership.
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