“Prominent BC United MLA and former BC Liberal leadership contender Ellis Ross has shook the political landscape with his announcement of a bid for the federal Conservatives. Coming off a failed attempt at winning the leadership of the BC Liberal Party in 2021, he is setting his sights on a new challenge and a new party.”
Ross’s intentions
True North has learned that Ross is set to officially declare his intent to run for the Conservatives in the northwest B.C. riding of Skeena—Bulkley Valley. During the BC Liberal leadership race, he faced controversy over the disqualification of a conservative activist from the contest, which led to a complicated relationship with his own party.
Leader Pierre Poilievre’s current campaign schedule includes an event in Prince Rupert, which falls within the Skeena—Bulkley Valley. The Conservatives have remained tight-lipped about Ross’s candidacy and have yet to comment on the matter.
A storied political career
Ross’s journey into provincial politics began in 2017, where he quickly ascended in influence and profile. He impressed with a $50 million agreement with Kitimat LNG for the construction of a liquefied natural gas plant, and served in Christy Clark’s cabinet, handling major portfolios including Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister Responsible for Housing.
In February 2023, he made headlines by voicing support for a diverse range of political opinions after fellow MLA John Rustad left BC United to join and lead the BC Conservative Party. Since then, Ross has witnessed a small exodus from his party, with former BC United MLA Bruce Banman also making the switch to the BC Conservatives.
Ross’s candidacy and political alignment with the Conservatives are expected to bring some momentum to the party’s prospects, which have been bolstered by a recent surge in the polls. Despite Skeena—Bulkley Valley having been held by the NDP for nearly two decades, the Conservatives came close to flipping it in the last election.
Regardless of the political context, Ross’s decision to switch parties raises interesting questions about political mobility and the influences that shape political allegiances. As the political dynamics in British Columbia continue to evolve, Ross’s transition serves as a reminder of the complexity of party politics and the ever-changing nature of leadership and ideology in the political arena.
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