British Columbia Conservative Leader John Rustad said he decided to kick out high-profile MLA Elenore Sturko after learning that he had won the leadership review with just over 70 per cent of the vote.

“I needed to make sure as a caucus, we are going to be united in terms of what we need to do to defeat the NDP, ” he said, speaking to reporters Monday night in Victoria after having met with his caucus for just over two hours.

Elenore Sturko, the outspoken former public safety critic for the party, was kicked out of caucus earlier in the afternoon, saying Rustad accused her of plotting against his leadership, a charge she denies.

Rustad did not directly respond when asked about Sturko’s side of the story. “She worked hard, but unfortunately, we had to part ways, and I wish her well.”

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