Former BC United candidate Stephen Johnston has said he’s still hoping for another “tap on the shoulder” from the Conservative Party of BC.
But since there’s been “radio silence” from John Rustad’s party in the aftermath of BC United’s collapse, he’s pledged to go solo with his campaign in the West Kelowna–Peachland riding.
The West Kelowna councillor will not be running as an independent candidate, however, but will instead be simply “unaffiliated,” he said.
Johnston previously told KelownaNow he was offered the BC Conservative nomination in Kelowna–Mission, but turned it down.
The BC Conservatives ditched their previous candidate in that riding, Alexandra Wright, and ultimately replaced her with former BC Liberals leadership hopeful Gavin Dew.
In a video published last night, Johnston said he was “blindsided” by Kevin Falcon’s announcement and has had a “very tough” time over the last week.
“I have been respectful of the gravity of this situation and the time needed to make these decisions, but at this juncture I need to make a decision,” he said in a statement released to the media to accompany his video.
“My commitment to this riding has always been unwavering, and that has not changed. This has always been my home, these are my people, and I’m committed to serving you as the next MLA for West Kelowna-Peachland.”
In his video, he said he won’t work against the BC Conservatives but will instead be an “ally.”
If the party chooses to “pick me up,” he added, then “that’s still an option.”
