On September 4, 2026, five former B.C. Conservative MLAs announced the formation of a new political party in British Columbia. Led interimly by Peter Milobar, the group plans to hold an internal leadership vote before the fall legislative session begins.
The nine-MLA exodus from the B.C. Conservatives
The formation of this new political group follows a period of intense instability within the B.C. Conservative caucus. According to the report, nine MLAs have departed the party in a mere three-week window. This mass departure was largely driven by internal friction with B.C. Conservative Leader Findlay, particularly regarding her team's request for certain members to step aside to facilitate her byelection run.
The breakaway group is composed of five specific members: Peter Milobar (Kamloops Centre), Ian Paton (Delta South), Rosalyn Bird (Prince George-Valemount), Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South), and ’a:líya Warbus (Chilliwack-Cultus Lake). The report notes that Bird, Banman, and Warbus were among those who refused to vacate their seats as requested by Findlay.
A platform targeting NDP-neglected issues like land rights
The new political entity aims to present itself as a "stable, thoughtful alternative" to the current NDP government.. Rosalyn Bird stated that the party will focus on critical issues that she claims the NDP has neglected, specifically citing the economy, healthcare, affordability, taxation, and land rights.
Bruce Banman emphasized that the party is designed for voters who want a government that "respects a dollar earned." He noted that joining Peter Milobar and Ian Paton is a commitment to providing a strong alternative for British Columbians when the next election occurs.. Milobar added that the party intends to restore "fiscal sanity" and position the province as a leader in resource development and job creation.
Gaining third-party status by the October 5 session
The mathematical impact of this split is significant for the upcoming legislative session in British Columbia. With five members now operating independently, the group is poised to secure official third-party status when the B.C. Legislature returns on October 5.
This shift occurs as Premier David Eby has signaled that his party is focusing on the upcoming fall session rather than calling a snap electiion. The arrival of a new, organized third party will likely alter the dynamics of debates and committee work once the session begins.
The search for a name and leader for the Milobar-led group
Despite the formal announcement, several key details regarding the new organization remain unverified. The group has not yet revealed the official name of the party, leaving its brand identity in limbo.
Additionally, while Peter Milobar has been named interim leader , the specific timeline and process for the upcoming internal leadership vote remain unclear. The group intends to finalize its leadership befoore the fall session, but the report does not specify when the vote will take place or who the potential candidates might be.
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