A Rossland businessman wants to succeed John Rustad as the leader of the BC Conservatives. Warren Hamm is the first person to declare his candidacy for the position following Rustad’s resignation today.
Hamm says he thought Rustad “did a great job and should be commended for getting the party to where it is,” but he believes Rustad made the right call to step down.
Hamm has not sought political office before, but this summer he joined the electoral district association for South Okanagan-West Kootenay Conservative MP Helena Konanz.
“It’s sort of escalated from there,” he said. “Across the province, people are looking for a new voice. I think I’m the one to step up and help us lead the province in a positive way out of this mess that’s been created by the NDP, specifically in the last 10 years, and what’s going on globally in our economy.”
Hamm says he has been asked by various locals, businesspeople, and other members of the BC Conservatives if he would consider seeking the leadership if Rustad stepped down.
“Initially, I laughed a little bit because of my lack of political experience, but the support’s been overwhelming and people are excited that I’m going to step up and do it,” he said.
“So it’s a little bit surreal, but I’m a straight shooter that’s been involved in a variety of businesses over the last 25 years. I can bring a lot of experience and hopefully make a difference.”
If chosen leader, Hamm would not have a seat in the BC Legislature, although prior to Rustad’s resignation, Hamm said he was planning to seek the BC Conservative nomination in Kootenay Monashee in the next election.
“But, with John deciding to step down, which I think is the right thing to do, we’re doing things a little bit out of order. I’m going to put my name forward and we’ll see where it goes.”
Hamm describes himself as in the middle on the political spectrum, and says he believes fiscal responsibility is important.
He is currently in Australia working as an aircraft maintenance engineer for a BC helicopter company to support bush firefighting efforts.
He has been in the news in recent weeks after settling a lawsuit against some current and former members of Rossland city council and for calling on Rossland mayor Andy Morel to resign.
Hamm was born in Vancouver, grew up in the Cariboo, and has lived in Dawson Creek, Prince Rupert, Campbell River, and for the last 25 years, in Rossland. He is married with two daughters.
