Lorne Doerkson is set to become the next premier of British Columbia, following a projected majority win for the Conservative Party in Saturday's provincial election. The results signal a significant shift in the province's political landscape, ending nearly a decade of New Democrat governance.
Doerkson, who took over as interim leader of the Conservative Party just over five weeks ago, has successfully united a fractured opposition. The party had experienced considerable internal divisions and defections prior to his leadership. His rapid ascent to premier-elect is considered one of the fastest in Canadian history.
The Conservatives' victory brings an end to the NDP's nine-year tenure, with outgoing Premier David Eby having announced his resignation as party leader following the election results. Doerkson, who previously served as a BC Liberal MLA, joined the Conservatives in 2024. He was first elected to the legislature in 2020 representing the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding.
Doerkson's platform included promises to cut red tape, double natural gas production by 2032, and implement tax cuts. The party also campaigned on repealing B. C.'s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, ending SOGI 123 learning resources in schools, and cracking down on public drug use.
