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140 into 93 won't fit: The math facing B.C. Conservatives as BC United folds campaign

The suspension of the Official Opposition BC United's election campaign, consolidating its pool of potential candidates with the B.C. Conservative Party, means that dozens from either camp will lose party endorsement.
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BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, right, pauses to confer with BC United Leader Kevin Falcon while responding to questions during a news conference, in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

The suspension of the Official Opposition BC United's election campaign, consolidating its pool of potential candidates with the B.C. Conservative Party, means that dozens from either camp will lose party endorsement.

Here's the math on the challenge of putting together a unified slate of candidates under the B.C. Conservative banner ahead of the Oct. 19 provincial election.

Ridings in 2024 election: 93

Candidates listed by B.C. Conservatives: 83

Candidates listed by BC United: 57

Minimum number of candidates who will lose endorsement: 47

Sitting BC Conservative MLAs: 5

Sitting BC United MLAs: 23

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 29, 2024.

The Canadian Press