B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar quits caucus to sit as Independent

Peter Milobar, a prominent moderate voice in British Columbia's opposition Conservative Party, announced on Friday, August 14, 2026, that he is leaving the caucus to sit as an Independent, citing a lack of ideological alignment with party leader KerryLynne Findlay. The departure marks the latest in a series of defections that have plagued the party since its near-victory in the 2024 provincial election.

Milobar, the MLA for Kamloops Centre and the party's former finance critic, made the announcement on social media. He stated that while he respects Findlay's right to lead, his values no longer align with the party's new direction under her leadership. "It has, however, become clear to me over the last few months that my values don't align with this new direction," he wrote. In an interview, he described the decision as a "cumulative effect" of concerns about the party's trajectory, noting Findlay's recent personnel changes also played a role.

Findlay, a former Conservative MP who won the party leadership in May on the fourth ballot, has pushed the party to focus on "faith, freedom and family." Milobar, who finished last in the five-way leadership race, clashed with Findlay...