Eby and Rustad Both See Favourability Slip in New Poll

A new round of polling from Angus Reid shows that Premier David Eby’s favourability ratings have fallen, raising questions for the governing NDP as British Columbia heads into a volatile political season. Eby, who entered the last election with a 43% favourability score, saw his numbers climb to 46% during the so-called “Trump surge,” when voters expressed a preference for stability amid political uncertainty in the United States. That boost, however, now appears to be fading, with his latest ratings showing a notable decline to 41%.

The poll also delivered sobering news for the opposition. Conservative leader John Rustad’s favourability has dropped from 33% at the last election to 28% today. Rustad has struggled to consolidate support even as the Conservatives sought to capitalize on voter frustrations with the government. The decline suggests that while discontent with the NDP is growing, the Conservatives have yet to persuade enough British Columbians that they represent a viable alternative.

Analysts caution that both parties face risks heading into the fall. For the NDP, slipping favourability underscores the challenge of maintaining momentum after years in power, particularly with economic headwinds and public service disruptions dominating headlines. For the Conservatives, Rustad’s decline raises concerns about leadership strength and whether the party can seize on the opportunity created by voter dissatisfaction. With both leaders under pressure, the stage is set for a contentious political season in B.C.