BC Conservative Party faces caucus decline as new party forms

The BC Conservative Party is facing significant internal instability as its number of MLAs has dropped from 44 to 28. Following the election of Kerry-Lynne Findlay as leader, several members have resigned, citing leadership concerns and ideological disagreements.

Former MLA Peter Milobar, who resigned from the Conservative caucus on August 14, has formed a new political party. This fledgling group has grown to five members, including MLAs Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, Áʼa꞉líya Warbus, and Ian Paton. Milobar will serve as interim leader of this new party, which aims to focus on fiscal responsibility, resource development, and job creation.

The new group intends to hold official third-party status in the British Columbia Legislature when it reconvenes on October 5. Milobar indicated that the party could potentially attract enough defectors to eventually become the official Opposition.