North Island — Powell River MP Aaron Gunn is considering a run at being the next Premier of British Columbia.
“Over the past week, I’ve had a lot of people reach out — community leaders, supporters, everyday British Columbians, and my constituents — encouraging me to run to be the next Premier of British Columbia,” Gunn posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “While I haven’t made a final decision, I am seriously considering doing so.”
Gunn said he would make his decision before Christmas.
His announcement came days after John Rustad’s resignation from the B.C. Conservative Party, after a legal letter signed by 20 party MLAs was drafted expressing they had lost confidence in him. Rustad initially opposed the call for stepping down, but a vote in the caucus meeting without him present led to a non-confidence vote and an endorsement of Trevor Halford as interim leader. After initially refusing to, Rustad stepped down a day later.
In order to become Premier, Gunn would have to be elected leader of a provincial political party. He would then be able to run in a future provincial election and would become Premier if his party wins the most seats.
Gunn, a federal MP for the Conservative Party of Canada, was elected on April 28.
Conservative B.C. MLA Harman Bhangu (Langley-Abbotsford) has already made his support for Gunn public.
“Aaron and I helped start this modern Conservative Party of B.C. together, along with a lot of hardworking people who believed B.C. needed a real alternative. My mission from day one was to defeat the NDP and make sure British Columbia has a Conservative Premier,” posted Bhangu on X.
“We can’t afford to divide ourselves or let this party be reshaped by establishment, corporate thinkers disconnected from the people this party exists to serve. I won’t stand for that. Loyalty matters. Friendship matters. So if Aaron decides to run, I will honour the commitment we made years ago and support him fully. I will not run against a friend I’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with since the beginning.”
Gunn’s decision could have an impact in Ottawa as well as Victoria.
On Dec. 11, Conservative MP Michael Ma (Markham-Unionville) crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, leaving the Liberals one seat away from a majority.
The House of Commons makeup would not immediately change however, if Gunn decides on a leadership run. He would only be required by law to resign his seat after winning a seat in any future provincial race.
READ ALSO: Aaron Gunn officially sworn in as an Member of Parliament for North Island–Powell River