Lorne Doerkson

MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin since 2020, he crossed to the Conservative Party of British Columbia in 2024 and became its interim leader in September 2026. He is the party's leader going into the British Columbia general election of 24 October 2026.

Career

Doerkson spent 20 years in newspaper publishing with Black Press, then worked in financial consulting. He was first elected for the BC Liberals in Cariboo-Chilcotin in 2020 with 51.25% and was caucus chair of BC United after the rebranding, before moving to the Conservatives in May 2024 and being re-elected with 69.59%. He became assistant deputy speaker in November 2024. In September 2026 the party board named him interim leader and Leader of the Opposition after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned, saying he would remain leader if the party wins.

Positions

Wikipedia reports that Doerkson introduced Carter's Law in May 2024 to protect people with respiratory conditions from wildfire smoke. His campaign pledges include no tax increases, expanded LNG production and lower alcohol taxes. He took over a party in turmoil: the Western Standard reports nine Conservatives left the caucus in August and September 2026, and Doerkson moved to restore five of them to caucus.

Summarised automatically from the linked sources. Wikipedia · Western Standard