Tepper re-elected in Surrey-Panorama as Conservatives cruise to landslide victory

Two years after squeaking out a win, Conservative Party incumbent Bryan Tepper trounced the competition in a riding rematch on Saturday, garnering 58 per cent of the vote.

“I felt like the negativity from the other campaigns was going to go against them,” he said on election night. “We have a very clear vision for a better future for everybody in British Columbia.”

Tepper thanked Surrey-Panorama voters for the validation while crediting premier-elect Lorne Doerkson for bringing the party together.

“Every time you talk to Lorne you gain a little more respect for him,” Tepper said. “Just a good, honest, hardworking man that’s got into politics for the right reason.”

Tepper narrowly won in 2024, edging NDP candidate Jinny Sims by 263 votes – the equivalent of 1.5 per cent. The margin of victory was approximately 14-times greater on Saturday, as Tepper finished 3,700 votes ahead of Sims.

“Going from a 263-vote win last time to this . . . humbling.”

NDP challenger Sims finished with 33 per cent of the vote. Five per cent of the vote went to the Green Party candidate Nolen Scott.

Tepper was surrounded by supporters and well-wishers on Saturday amid an ecstatic mood in an event centre off Terminal Avenue in Vancouver.

Supporters chanted “Lorne!” and volunteers handed out Lorne Mainland signs and described Lornemania following Doerkson’s victory speech.

“To the business owner that is thinking about taking what they have built somewhere else in this country, I am begging you to stay,” Doerkson implored. “We are going to make it worth your while, I promise you that.”

During a much more sombre affair on the other side of Vancouver, Premier David Eby said he accepted full responsibility for the election result and announced plans to step down as leader of the NDP.

“It is time for new leadership within our party,” he said on Saturday.

While acknowledging it wasn’t the result she hoped for, Sims thanked the community for their trust and kindness.

“While I may not be your elected representative, I am not going anywhere, and I am not giving up,” she wrote in a social media post. “I will continue fighting for working families, our children, seniors and a better future for everyone.”

All vote totals are unofficial until certified.