Bruce Banman, Harman Bhangu out of B.C. Conservative leadership race

Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman has withdrawn from the B.C. Conservative leadership race and endorsed Vancouver entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer.

Fulmer, who also serves as chancellor of Capilano University, said he’s “incredibly grateful” for the endorsement.

Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu also announced he is throwing his support behind political commentator Caroline Elliott. Bhangu and Elliott jointly announced the move in a video posted to social media Monday.

The field of candidates has shrunk from 11 candidates to seven in recent weeks.

Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare and Richmond-Queensborough MLA Steve Kooner withdrew from the race in late February.

The approved candidates remaining in the race are:

• Former B.C. Liberal labour minister Iain Black
• Political commentator and former BC United vice-president Caroline Elliott
• Former federal Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay
• Entrepreneur and Capilano University chancellor Yuri Fulmer
• Rossland contractor Warren Hamm
• Former grocery executive Darrell Jones
• Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar

Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has served as interim leader since John Rustad stepped down in early December under pressure from his caucus.

A new leader is to be announced on May 30.