Second BC United MLA in 4 Days Jumps Ship to Join Provincial Conservatives
Elenore Sturko is switching to the Conservative Party of B.C. in an effort to remove the governing NDP from power. She becomes the second BC United MLA to switch sides in the last four days.
The decision comes shortly after BC United caucus chair Lorne Doerkson announced his move to join the Conservatives.
Ms. Sturko, who won as a BC United MLA in 2022, stated that her switch is aimed at “building the coalition necessary to defeat the NDP.”
“Our province and its people are worse off today than they were just seven years ago when the NDP came to power. By every single measure the NDP has failed British Columbians, and splitting the vote will only reward them with an election victory they don’t deserve.”
The former soldier and RCMP officer will compete in the Surrey-Cloverdale riding under the Conservative banner in the upcoming election.
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Conservative Leader John Rustad described Ms. Sturko as “a fantastic addition to the team,” emphasizing that she represents the growing grassroots coalition in the province.
“Eleanor’s decision to join us reinforces that we are building a big tent, with room for everyone who wants to defeat the NDP and elect a common-sense government that respects taxpayers and hard-earned wages,” Mr. Rustad said in the statement.
Ms. Sturko is recognized for her advocacy on the shortcomings of drug decriminalization, affordable housing, and the healthcare system.
She expressed that she carefully considered switching sides, believing that a united front for sensible change is crucial for winning the next election.
United MLAs Joining Conservatives
Ms. Sturko’s decision follows Mr. Doerkson’s announcement on May 31 to join the Conservatives, citing them as the only party capable of defeating the NDP in the upcoming election.
Ms. Sturko and Mr. Doerkson are not the only BC United MLAs to switch to the Conservatives. Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman left BC United in September 2023, granting the Conservatives official status in the legislature.
Mr. Gunn was nominated as a candidate by the Conservative Party of Canada in December 2023, running for the North Island-Powell River riding in the upcoming federal election.
The B.C. Conservatives received another boost when then-independent MLA John Rustad joined the Conservatives in February 2023.
However, Mr. Rustad argued that it was the BC United leader who hindered cooperation, labeling Mr. Falcon as “unserious and dishonest” in discussions about working together.
Recent polls indicate that the Conservatives have the best shot at defeating the NDP, but they still have ground to cover to close the gap with the current government.
