Vernon-Lumby candidate shocked by B.C. United folding, potentially ...

At 1:50 p.m. the Conservatives issued a release stating BCU would be suspending the campaign, and encouraged the candidates to join the party led by Jon Rustad.

“I’ve known [B.C. United leader] Kevin Falcon for 20 years, and while we haven’t always seen eye to eye, we both know there is too much at stake to let past disagreements get in the way of defeating David Eby and the radical NDP,” Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., stated in the release.

“I’ve never doubted Kevin Falcon’s commitment to our province, and today, I applaud his decision to put B.C. first, as he’s done throughout his career.”

BCU had not issued a statement as of time of publication, but the Conservative release did include a quote from B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon.

“I got back into politics because I wanted to build a bright future for my two daughters and for the next generation of British Columbians,” Kevin Falcon said in the Conservative release.

“Today, I’m stepping back for the same reason. I know that the best thing for the future of our province is to defeat the NDP, but we cannot do that when the centre-right vote is split.”

A conservative candidate for the Vernon-Lumby riding had not been announced as of Aug. 28, and during the conversation with Vernon Matters Acton said he would need to get more information before he considers the options for his political future.

“When I see what’s going on, like if it’s a merger, then absolutely I’m interested,” Acton said.

“If the party’s folding and everybody’s just going home, then there’s lots to think about.”

“I need to think about if for a bit because I only five minutes ago just found out bits and pieces. So I’ve just got to find out from the party what’s going on, then I can make my decision from there.”