Steve Kooner is joining the growing field of B.C. Conservative leadership candidates.
The Richmond-Queensborough MLA is running on a pledge to “Bring Back BC.” According to his campaign platform, that means working with Alberta to share the profits of a new pipeline, repealing DRIPA, and appointing a “Crime Czar” to address extortion.
The Vancouver-born lawyer was elected to the Legislature in 2024 and has served as the party’s critic for attorney general.
Fellow B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar has also signalled his intent to run for the leadership, launching a campaign website this week.
Kooner and Milobar’s entries bring the number of leadership hopefuls to at least 10.
Other candidates running include former B.C. Liberal MLA Iain Black, political commentator Caroline Elliott, ex-grocery executive Darrell Jones, entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer and MLA Sheldon Clare.
Former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay and contractor Warren Hamm have also declared bids for the leadership.
Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has served as interim leader since John Rustad stepped down in early December under pressure from his caucus.
