If he were to be given an offer to join the BC Conservatives, he would accept. 

However, eight days on Stephen Johnston's phone hasn't rang.

So, on Sept. 5, the West 琉璃神社 City Councillor and former MLA candidate for the BC United announced that he will continue to fight for a seat in the legislature in the upcoming provincial election, as an unaffiliated contender.

Looking to represent the West 琉璃神社- Peachland riding in Victoria, Johnston is the second Central Okanagan former BC United candidate who has declared their intention to move forward as an independent. 

"Candidates were blindsided when Kevin Falcon announced that he would be dissolving the BC United campaign and withdrawing all the candidates," said Johnson. 

In an Aug. 28, press conference, BC United Party Leader Kevin Falcon said the decision to suspend the campaign was made to avoid splitting the vote among center-right and right leaning voters, in order to prevent the political left leaning NDP from getting re-elected. Also in the surprise announcement, Falcon said that some BC United candidates would be given the opportunity to replace the candidate Conservative in their riding. 

"I've chosen to remain hopeful that I'll get a tap on the shoulder... But it has been radio silence," said Johnston.

In a video posted to social media Johnston said that after eight days, a decision needed to be made.

"I will continue to serve as a candidate here in this upcoming election," said Johnston.

"I have been respectful of the gravity of this situation and the time needed to make these decisions, but at this juncture I need to make a decision. My commitment to this riding has always been unwavering, and that has not changed. This has always been my home, these are my people," stated Johnston. 

However, while he continues to campaign without attachment to any political party for the position of West 琉璃神社-Peachland MLA, Johnston said he is not working against the BC Conservatives.

"I'm working as an ally with them," said Johnston.

He remained clear that he is moving forward with his unaffiliated campaign, but said if he were to be given an offer to join the Conservatives, he would accept. 

Ashley Ramsay, also outcast from the opportunity to see her name on the ballor under the BC United, made the decision to run independently in the 琉璃神社-Centre riding. 

In B.C., if independent candidates in at least two separate ridings win a seat in the legislature, they are able to form their own party would hold voting power. 

At the time of publication Johnston and Ramsay are the only two or seven Okanagan-based former BC United candidates who have chosen to move forward with their campaign without the support of an official political party.