Former candidate asks Conservatives to ‘plug’ noses for any concerns about leader

Victoria - A former candidate of the British Columbia Conservative party has urged members of the party to "plug" their noses and accept Lorne Doerkson as their permanent leader if he secures victory in the province's unexpected election slated for October 24. The advice comes from Tim Thielmann, a lawyer and former research director for the Conservatives, as the party intends to retain Doerkson's leadership if he triumphs in the election called by the NDP's David Eby.

Thielmann's statement highlights the party's intention to employ the "appropriate means" outlined in their constitution to ensure Doerkson remains in power, as a premier chosen by B.C. voters warrants the "certainty of leading his party." The constitution prohibits an interim leader from permanently assuming the role, necessitating changes to existing rules that require support from two-thirds of members present at an annual or special general meeting.

While Thielmann expresses uncertainty about the likelihood of the constitutional amendments being rejected in the case of Doerkson's election win, he maintains that opposition to the process should focus on strengthening OneBC, the party he once co-founded, or establishing a new political entity. He advises those displeased with the process to "plug their noses," support the Conservatives for their term, and build a more robust party in the interim.

Thielmann, who parted ways with OneBC's interim leader, Dallas Brodie, who was removed from the Conservative caucus last year, suggests that a new alternative would be prepared as a right-of-centre option if the Conservatives do not meet expectations. He encourages B.C. Conservatives to give their rivals a chance to gradually improve from the B.C. NDP and dedicate four years to transforming OneBC into a legitimate political party.