Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar said he is leaving the B.C. Conservatives to sit as an Independent.
“I completely respect the vote of the membership, and that Kerry-Lynne Findlay has earned the right as leader to shape the party as she sees fit,” said Milobar in a statement. “It has, however, become clear to me over the last few months that my values don’t align with this new direction.”
He will join five other MLAs currently sitting as Independents: Elenore Sturko, Jordan Kealy, Dallas Brodie, Tara Armstrong and Hon Chan. All are former B.C. Conservative MLAs who either left the caucus or were removed from it.
Milobar ran for the party leadership but was eliminated on the first ballot with 10.5 per cent of the vote.
Milobar and Findlay clashed during the campaign, notably when Findlay suggested during a debate that Milobar might have a conflict of interest on issues related to Aboriginal title and property rights because his wife is Indigenous. Milobar called the idea “ridiculous.”
However, he appeared to rally behind Findlay after her leadership victory and maintained his role as finance critic.
The B.C. Conservatives did not immediately respond to Vista Radio’s request for comment on Milobar’s departure or questions about who will take over as finance critic.
