# BC Conservative Party internal instability > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-conservative-party-internal-instability > Updated: 2026-09-06T16:54:40.000Z. Sources: 75. Developments: 4. The Conservative Party of British Columbia is experiencing escalating internal instability characterized by high-profile resignations and defections. Initial reports indicated that Reann Gasper resigned her seat to facilitate a by-election for party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, while MLA Ian Paton defected to sit as an Independent. Following these departures, Ian Paton and former finance critic Peter Milobar announced plans to form a new political party due to dissatisfaction with the party’s ideological direction. In recent weeks, the instability has intensified with nine MLAs leaving the official Opposition caucus. Among the most prominent departures is Á’a:líya Warbus, an Indigenous leader from the Sto:lo Nation, who stated the party is being consumed by “culture wars” and internal drama, leading it to abandon issues such as housing affordability, education, and senior care. Other recent defectors include Scott McInnis and Donegal Wilson, who cited ethical concerns and the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay. This fragmentation has culminated in the formal announcement of a new political party by five former Conservative MLAs: Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, Á’a:líya Warbus, Peter Milobar, and Ian Paton. Citing dissatisfaction with Findlay’s leadership, the group intends to be election-ready within two years, focusing on the economy, healthcare, affordability, taxation, and land rights to provide an alternative to the NDP. Peter Milobar will serve as the interim leader of this new group, which aims to seek official third-party status in the legislature. The group plans to hold an internal leadership vote before the legislature resumes in October. The exodus has also led to legal scrutiny. Ian Paton indicated that the RCMP has interviewed him regarding allegations that Findlay offered benefits to entice public office holders to resign, a claim which Findlay denies. Paton also accused the leadership of “muzzling” him in his role as agriculture critic. ## Claims - Peter Milobar resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus citing a difference in values with leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Ian Paton accused the party leadership of muzzling him in his role as agriculture critic. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The RCMP interviewed Ian Paton regarding allegations that Kerry-Lynne Findlay offered him a job to induce his resignation. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Kerry-Lynne Findlay denies allegations of wrongdoing regarding the resignation of MLAs. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Nine MLAs have left the B.C. Conservative party within a three-week period. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The new party intends to focus on the economy, healthcare, affordability, taxation, and land rights. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Five former British Columbia Conservative MLAs are forming a new political party. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The defecting MLAs cited issues with current B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The new party aims to achieve official third-party status in the legislature. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: BC Conservative Party faces caucus decline as new party forms The BC Conservative Party has seen its caucus shrink to 28 MLAs following leadership concerns. Former MLA Peter Milobar has launched a new party with five members, aiming for official third-party status. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-conservative-party-faces-caucus-decline-as-new-party-forms ### 2026-09-04: B.C. Conservatives face turmoil as five MLAs form new party Five former B.C. Conservative MLAs are forming a new political party following a wave of defections and leadership disputes within the B.C. Conservative Party under Kerry-Lynne Findlay. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/five-former-bc-conservative-mlas-form-new-party ### 2026-09-02: BC Conservatives face caucus instability as multiple MLAs defect The BC Conservative Party faces turmoil as multiple MLAs, including Á’a:líya Warbus, defect from the caucus, citing internal culture wars and a shift away from key voter issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bc-conservatives-face-caucus-instability-as-multiple-mlas-defect ### 2026-08-21: B.C. Conservatives face instability as MLAs resign and defect The B.C. Conservative Party faces instability as MLA Reann Gasper resigns to allow leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek a seat, while MLAs Ian Paton and Peter Milobar defect to form a new party. 66 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reann-gasper-resigns-as-abbotsford-mission-mla --- Cite as: BC Conservative Party internal instability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-conservative-party-internal-instability