Poll shows Doerkson ahead of Eby as best premier choice
An Angus Reid poll conducted October 15-18 gives Doerkson 36%, Eby 34%, with 30% finding neither acceptable.
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Lorne Doerkson holds a narrow two-point lead over David Eby when B.C. voters are asked who would make the best premier, according to an Angus Reid poll conducted October 15-18.
Doerkson registered 36 per cent and Eby 34 per cent in the head-to-head question. However, 30 per cent of respondents said neither would be acceptable as premier.
Among committed voters, the two parties run closer: 46 per cent of decided or leaning voters support the B.C. Conservatives, 43 per cent support the NDP, and 8 per cent support the Greens — showing slight improvement for the Greens compared to an earlier October 5 poll. The Conservatives' lead has narrowed significantly; they held a five-point advantage on October 5 and an eight-point lead on September 24.
Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, noted the difference in voter retention. "Three-quarters of B.C. Conservative voters say they're very certain in their support, compared to closer to half of B.C. NDP voters. Further, 89 per cent of 2024 Conservatives say they're supporting the party again, while the proportion of 2024 B.C. NDP voters returning to the fold drops to 74 per cent."
Kurl flagged a key uncertainty heading into the October 24 election: "Beyond the headline vote numbers, indications suggest the incumbent New Democrats, who called the election, face a tougher task in securing their support and getting voters to the polls on Oct. 24, amid greater uncertainty and weaker voter retention than their Conservative rivals."
If an election were held on the poll's dates, the results would constitute a statistical tie in the popular vote.
The facts
Who leads in the best premier matchup?
Lorne Doerkson leads David Eby by two points: 36% to 34% among B.C. voters asked who would make the best premier.
When was this poll conducted?
The Angus Reid poll was conducted October 15–18, 2026.
How much has the Conservative lead narrowed?
The B.C. Conservatives' lead among committed voters dropped from eight points on September 24 to five points on October 5 to three points in the October 15–18 poll.
How certain are voters in their support?
Three-quarters of B.C. Conservative voters say they're very certain in their support, compared to roughly half of B.C. NDP voters.
What share of previous Conservative and NDP voters are returning?
89% of 2024 B.C. Conservative voters say they're supporting the party again, while 74% of 2024 B.C. NDP voters are returning to the party.
