Five former B.C. Conservative MLAs form new provincial party

Five former Conservative members of the British Columbia legislature have come together to establish a new political party, set to launch upon the legislature's return next month. Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, Áʼa꞉líya Warbus, Peter Milobar, and Ian Paton have joined forces to form this unknown party. These individuals were among nine MLAs who recently departed from the Conservative Party under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Milobar, currently serving as interim leader, discussed the party's intention to provide an alternative for voters dissatisfied with the NDP but hesitant to support the Conservative Party in British Columbia. "We need to form a serious, credible option for voters that are fed up with the NDP and can't see themselves voting for the Conservative Party of B.C. moving forward," Milobar stated.

The party's formation process includes collaboration with Elections BC and aims to be in place before the legislature reconvenes on October 5. Milobar emphasized that the party formation is a methodical and proper undertaking, not a spontaneous decision. The new party will also hold an internal leadership election before resuming legislative sessions and will sit as an official third-party entity.

The founding members' priorities include affordable living costs, economic growth, healthcare, taxation, resource development, and land and property rights. Milobar expressed confidence in the potential support among British Columbians, citing the enthusiastic response from former Conservative MLAs since their departure from the caucus. Milobar himself reported an overwhelming influx of inquiries, with all nine former MLAs expressing a positive response to their decision to form a new political entity.

Milobar acknowledged that he might consider seeking permanent leadership but stressed that his current focus remains on establishing the new party. He anticipates continued discussions with other MLAs, though he did not reveal any plans for additional membership at this time.