John Rustad has resigned as leader of the B.C. Conservative Party and as Leader of the Official Opposition.
The move comes a day after the party said a majority of its caucus no longer had confidence in his leadership and removed him from the role.
Rustad initially said Wednesday he would not step down, but a day later he reversed course.
“I’m grateful to our staff for their commitment and to the people of British Columbia for the privilege of serving as the leader of the Official Opposition,” he said in a statement.
Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day said Rustad made the right decision.
“I know that couldn’t have been a difficult decision for him considering all the work he’s put into the party, but the party unified behind Trevor Halford, and I look forward to getting the ship steadied and moving forward together.”
Halford was elected interim leader after a caucus vote and will hold the position until a leadership race takes place.
Day said people across the province shared their support for the move.
“It’s been apparent for a bit that John was struggling to keep us on message, and we needed to see a change to ensure everyone could be brought back into the same room.”
The leadership campaign is expected in the new year. Day did not say whether he intends to run.
