British Columbia Conservative Leader John Rustad has been re-elected in his riding of Nechako Lakes.
Rustad was kicked out of the Opposition BC United Party for his support on social media of an outspoken climate change critic in 2022, and last year was acclaimed as the B.C. Conservative leader.
Buoyed by the BC United party suspending its campaign, and the popularity of Pierre Poilievre's federal Conservatives, Rustad led his party into contention in the provincial election.
Under John Horgan and the NDP, average rents and property taxes continue to increase and fewer people can afford to buy homes.
He noted that the BC Liberals doubled MSP and the cost of housing, car insurance, and hydro all skyrocketed on their watch.
Laurie Throness says he made the decision to stay in the race after being encouraged to do so by his supporters.
A statement from the party says more than $441,000 has been raised in the first 15 days of October.
Horgan says the resignation also raises questions about the views of other Liberal candidates in the Oct. 24 election who have been linked to anti-LGBTQ statements.
Horgan, who referred to Wilkinson as "buddy" several times during the CKNW debate, replied that his government couldn't fix all the mess the Liberals left behind in one fell swoop.