VANCOUVER, BC – Former Surrey Mayor and Federal Conservative MP Dianne Watts today declared her faith in Iain Black as the BC Conservative leadership candidate best positioned to defeat David Eby’s NDP.
She noted that the province's record of failure compelled her to speak out. "As many of you know, I retired from political life to pursue other endeavours," said Watts. "But there comes a time when you need to get involved again – and this is one of those times."
Watts, who served as Mayor of Surrey for nearly a decade before representing South Surrey/White Rock in Ottawa as a Federal Conservative MP, said the choice of leader comes down to one question: who can win, and who can govern.
"This race is not just about who wins the leadership. It is about who can win a general election, who understands the complexities of public policy, and who has a credible plan to change the course of this provincial government. For me, there is only one person with those credentials. That person is Iain Black."
Watts cited Black's unique combination of government and private sector experience as the decisive factor in deciding to Co-Chair his campaign. Black is the only candidate in the race who has served in Cabinet – as Minister of Labour and Minister of Small Business and Economic Development – sat on the BC Treasury Board, and turned around major organizations in the private sector, including as CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
"Experience matters," said Watts. "You need to understand public policy, navigate the political system, and have a real grasp of the economy, small business, and our resource sectors. Iain Black has all of it."
Watts also sounded the alarm on the future facing young British Columbians. "Our kids are leaving this province because they cannot afford to live here. Opportunities are dwindling. It is imperative that each one of us gets involved if we ever want to make BC a prosperous province again."
Black called the endorsement humbling. "Dianne Watts built one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada with serious leadership and long-term vision. Her confidence means everything."
The BC Conservative leadership vote takes place May 28–29, 2026 on a ranked ballot. The membership deadline is April 18, 2026.