VICTORIA — Vancouver Island MP Aaron Gunn says he won't run for leadership of the British Columbia Conservative Party because he doesn't want to risk giving the federal Liberals a majority government.
Gunn says his departure could “upset the balance of power in Ottawa” and leaving would be too much of a risk as Prime Minister Mark Carney continues to pursue a “deliberate and transparent strategy to bribe or otherwise persuade morally bankrupt MPs” to cross the floor.
He adds that he doesn't want to give some media and federal Liberals the opportunity to “portray” his departure as a “loss of confidence” or “worse, a betrayal” in the leadership of federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Speaking in a video posted on X, Gunn says the decision was the “hardest” of his life because thousands of people urged him to run and he shares their concerns about leading the province under NDP Premier David Eby.
He was considered by many to be the favorite to replace John Rustad following his Dec. 4 resignation, but Gunn says he can best serve the interests of his constituents and Canada by remaining as the MP for North Island-Powell River.
Gunn says he will “continue to fight tirelessly” in Ottawa and is also looking for “a partner here in British Columbia” who will allow the federal Conservatives to continue building Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 24, 2025.
