North Island — Powell River MP Aaron Gunn said he will remain with the federal Conservatives rather than seek the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
Gunn said it was a tough decision because he believes the provincial party needs a conservative voice at its helm, but he feels he is better suited to serve his constituents in Ottawa after being elected in April’s federal vote.
Aaron Gunn comments:
“Right now, I believe that I can best serve my constituents and Canada in Ottawa,” Gunn said. “That is where I will be, continuing to represent and going to work for the great people of Powell River and North Island as their Member of Parliament.”
In a statement posted to X on Christmas Eve, Gunn said federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was ready to support his decision, whether it was to remain an MP or seek provincial leadership, and that he was concerned his departure could be spun as a betrayal.
Aaron Gunn comments:
“While he [Poilievre] has always made clear that he would support whichever decision I made, it is also clear to me that the media and Liberals would attempt to spin my departure as some sort of loss of confidence in Pierre [Poilievre], or worse, a betrayal,” he said.
Gunn said the provincial Conservatives should have a leader who aligns with the values of the federal party.
Gunn first won his seat in the federal election in April, becoming the riding’s first Conservative MP since 2011.
The B.C. Conservatives are seeking a new leader after John Rustad stepped down in early December. Trevor Halford is serving as interim leader.
Click here to view Gunn’s statement.
– Article includes link to Aaron Gunn’s X account
