Zombie Party Politics: How BC United Continues to Shake Up the Provincial Landscape

The Dormant Giant Refuses to Fade

In the wake of one of the most tumultuous shifts in British Columbia’s political history, the party formerly known as the BC Liberals continues to exert significant influence from the shadows. Despite withdrawing all candidates and effectively folding just months before the 2024 provincial election, BC United—the brand Kevin Falcon attempted to build from the ashes of the Liberals—is facing fresh scrutiny over its financial practices and a lingering ‘dirty tricks’ scandal.

Automatic Donations and Financial Ghosts

Recent filings with Elections BC reveal a startling reality: BC United collected over $150,000 in donations throughout 2025, long after the party ceased to be a viable electoral entity. Investigations suggest that much of this capital flowed from automatic monthly contributions that donors had simply forgotten to cancel. While some supporters, like construction executive David Hoff, knowingly continued their financial support to help the party settle outstanding debts and severance obligations, others were blindsided. The discovery of these ‘phantom’ donations has added another layer of frustration for former supporters who feel the party’s transition was poorly managed.

The Shadow of the Conservative Leadership Race

The party’s internal machinery remains intact, led by former MLA Ben Stewart. Stewart has indicated that the ultimate fate of the BC United brand—and its remaining assets—will not be decided until after the BC Conservatives conclude their upcoming leadership race. This ‘wait-and-see’ approach has sparked fears within the Conservative camp, specifically from former leader John Rustad. Rustad and his allies have expressed concern over a ‘centrist takeover,’ alleging that United stalwarts are attempting to infiltrate and steer the Conservative Party from within.

A Legacy of Scandal

The tension between the two right-leaning factions was exacerbated by a recent $4,500 fine levied by Elections BC. The independent overseer found that BC United was responsible for a campaign of ‘pre-election falsehoods’ involving a deceptive website and mailers targeting Conservative candidates. John Rustad has gone as far as to suggest these ‘Machiavellian’ tactics may have cost the Conservatives a victory in the last election. As the dust settles, the ongoing presence of BC United serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and unresolved baggage currently defining the province’s right-wing opposition.