B.C. MLA Boultbee quits; Rustad survives review

On Oct. 20, 2025, Penticton–Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus and will sit as an independent, saying she would only consider returning if party leader John Rustad is replaced. She cited concerns about Rustad’s leadership, alleging intimidation — including being told to “get the F out” — and a membership scandal that she says undermines the integrity of a recent leadership review. Rustad responded by accusing Boultbee of leaking caucus information and publicly questioned her health and state of mind, comments that other Conservatives criticized as inappropriate. Rustad survived that leadership review with roughly 70–71% support. Boultbee said she will collaborate with former Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko, and her departure is the fifth MLA defection this year, underscoring ongoing turmoil within the party.