Title: B.C. Conservatives Search Phones After Leadership Leak

British Columbia Conservative Leader John Rustad confirmed that members of his caucus searched each other's cellphones during a meeting this week. This action was taken in response to a media leak regarding a potential vote on his leadership. Rustad stated that the decision to search phones was not typical but was initiated by the caucus members themselves.

"The MLAs in caucus expressed willingness and interest and desire to make sure that we try to find out who was responsible for potential leaks," Rustad told reporters at the legislature. He added that the search aimed to ensure no inappropriate information had been shared.

The search was prompted after a tweet from a radio host revealed that caucus chairperson Jody Toor and caucus whip Bruce Banman had intervened to stop an attempt by an MLA to call for a secret ballot on Rustad's leadership. Deputy whip Reann Gasper was reportedly assigned to review the phones of her colleagues. Both personal and legislature-issued phones were examined, but Rustad noted that the source of the leak was not identified. He expressed concern over ongoing leaks within the caucus.

During a press scrum, Rustad's chief of staff, Brad Zubyk, reacted strongly to a question about whether Rustad was paranoid, calling the inquiry "bulls–t" and threatening to cut off the reporter's access to future questions. Rustad denied feeling paranoid when asked directly.

Political analyst Stewart Prest commented on the situation, suggesting that Rustad's leadership may be in jeopardy. "Mr. Rustad is no longer sure of who within his caucus he feels he can trust," Prest said. He added that Rustad's best hope is to stabilize his leadership amid growing dissent.

In late September, Rustad received 70.66 percent support in a party leadership review, but the turnout was less than 20 percent. Allegations of ballot stuffing emerged during the review, leading to the dismissal of two party staffers. Following the review, Rustad expelled MLA Elenore Sturko from the caucus for allegedly plotting against him. Sturko initially denied the claims but later admitted to them.

Rustad also fired staffer Lindsay Shepherd over comments related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which angered some party members. Since then, rumors have circulated about potential challenges to Rustad's leadership.

In a show of solidarity with Sturko, MLA Amelia Boultbee changed her social media profile picture to one featuring the two together. Additionally, MLA Heather Maahs attended an event with an anti-trans activist, defying Rustad's directive to caucus members. Rustad stated he had not discussed Boultbee's profile picture with her and indicated that party whips would manage any disciplinary actions regarding Maahs.

Sturko remarked on the situation, stating that Rustad's decision to search the phones of his caucus members reflects his diminishing control. "It’s shocking that he continues to go on, certainly the fact that I’m standing here in a scrum with all of you asking me if a grown man and his team looked into other adults’ cellphones," she said.

The unfolding events highlight the internal strife within the B.C. Conservative Party as Rustad navigates challenges to his leadership.