Milobar departure raises questions about future of B.C. Conservatives

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Milobar, the Opposition finance critic and a former contender for the party leadership, is widely regarded as one of the legislature’s most experienced MLAs. He was first elected in 2017 after serving five terms as mayor of Kamloops and has developed a reputation as an authority on provincial finances.

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Giddens said he was saddened by the news, noting he had supported Milobar during the Conservative leadership race earlier this year.

“Well, it was disappointing news. Peter’s a fantastic parliamentarian and someone I consider a friend,” Giddens said. “So tough news today and a tough day in politics here.”

The departure comes amid ongoing questions about the party’s identity following Findlay’s narrow leadership victory in May. Since the 2024 election, the Conservatives have experienced a series of defections from both moderate and more right-leaning members.

Asked whether he was concerned that other MLAs might follow Milobar out of caucus, Giddens said his priority is keeping Conservatives united.

“In politics you always want addition more than subtraction,” he said. “I want to see people brought together under an alternative to the NDP. That’s what I’m going to continue trying to do, is be really a uniting force within the Conservative Party.”

Giddens also dismissed suggestions that Milobar’s departure had shaken his own commitment to the party.

“This is a political party that I joined and am a part of, and support, and want to try to build it into something that is actually capable of winning the next election,” he said.

Milobar’s departure leaves further questions about the future direction of the B.C. Conservatives as a new political player, CentreBC, positions itself as a centrist alternative for voters seeking a socially progressive and fiscally responsible option.

For now, Milobar says he will continue to represent residents of Kamloops Centre as an Independent MLA while preparing to outline his next steps in the weeks ahead.