Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, has crossed the floor and joined the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
Doerkson was elected as a Liberal, which is now BC United, in 2020.
“Today, I am making a change because I believe this upcoming election is simply too consequential,” said Doerkson, in a statement. “I have spent countless hours listening to my constituents in the recent months. The response has been overwhelming. The residents of Cariboo-Chilcotin want to see David Eby defeated and they want to see a common sense Conservative government in Victoria.”
He served as the Opposition critic for Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, and Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. Prior to that he was the Opposition Critic for Rural Development and as the Official Opposition Deputy Whip.
“I look forward to working with John Rustad and the Conservative team,” he said. “Whether it is axing the carbon tax, revitalizing our resource sector or reforming our broken healthcare system, it’s never been more clear that BC needs a common sense government.
“My priority is defeating the radical BC NDP and it is now clear that the Conservative Party of BC is the only vehicle capable of getting the job done. I call on all British Columbians to join me in standing with the Conservative Party of BC.”
His defection brings the Conservative caucus in the legislature to three with leader John Rustad, who was booted out of the Liberal Party, and Bruce Banman, who crossed the floor from BC United last fall.
“I’m thrilled to have Lorne on the team,” said Rustad. “As the MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, Lorne has been a tireless advocate for his region and the vital resources within it. Whether it’s natural resources or small business, Lorne is an individual who puts his constituents first and that is exactly the kind of advocate we need in the Legislature. He will be a strong Conservative MLA for the riding.”
Last week the Conservatives and BC United both announced that talks to have the parties merge and/or try to avoid vote-splitting have broken off.
Rustad said Conservative Party of British Columbia plans to run candidates in all 93 provincial ridings in the upcoming provincial election.
One thought on “Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson crosses the floor to the Conservatives”
If you “cross the floor” in any direction, you should immediately loose your seat. If we didn’t vote for that party, it’s probably because it doesn’t stand for our opinions or beliefs.