Richmond-Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner has announced his intention to run for the B.C. Conservative leadership.
Kooner posted to social media Tuesday (Feb. 3) that he was running to “Bring Back B.C.,” his slogan for the campaign.
“After years of economic decline, attacks on property rights and parental authority, and growing disorder in our communities, it’s clear: this government has lost its way,” Kooner said in his post. “Through hard work, I earned the trust of voters in Richmond-Queensborough, unseating the NDP incumbent and current party president to send a message that B.C. can do better.”
He said he’s fighting for a province “where hard work is rewarded, families thrive, parents have a voice and opportunity flourishes.”
Black Press Media has reached out to Kooner for comment.
Kooner joins – most recently – Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman, who told Black Press Media Wednesday that he was in the running for leadership. He was one of the first MLAs to join the fledgling Conservative Party of B.C. before the 2024 provincial election.
Two other current MLAs have also announced their campaigns for B.C. Conservative leadership: Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare.
Milobar, who was also the former Kamloops mayor, says his goal is to bring “full accountability” to the B.C. government, while says he wants British Columbians to get “value for their money” from government.
Former South Surrey-White Rock MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced on Jan. 29 she would be running for leadership. Her husband is the Conservative MLA for Surrey South.
Darrell Jones launched his campaign on Jan. 27. The former Save-On-Foods president is probably best known in B.C. for his years of being the face of the grocery chain and its commercials.
Political commentator Caroline Elliott also launched a leadership bid on Jan. 16 with a video on social media.
Former B.C Liberal minister Iain Black launched his campaign in mid-January. He previously served as a minister under former premier Gordon Campbell.
Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer announced his campaign at the beginning of the year. He wants to fix what he called a “province in crisis.”
Rossland contractor Warren Hamm announced in mid-December his plans to run.
– With files from Mark Page