CentreBC said leader Peter Milobar and some of the MLAs who joined the party with him are returning the B.C. Conservatives as a snap election was called Tuesday.
Last Friday, CentreBC announced Mike Bernier would step aside to allow Milobar to take over as leader, and seven other former Conservatives would join forces with the party.
They included Teresa Wat, Rosalyn Bird, Ian Paton, Bruce Banman, Á’a:líya Warbus, Donegal Wilson. All had quit the Conservative caucus in recent weeks, citing a lack of confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Former Conservative-turned-Independent Elenore Sturko also announced she would join CentreBC along with them. Sturko said Tuesday she won’t be rejoining the Conservatives, and would remain with CentreBC.
Findlay resigned as Conservative leader Sunday, prompting discussions between the Conservatives and CentreBC about bringing the two groups together.
That plan appears to have dissolved as the seven MLAs cross back over the the Conservatives.
CentreBC President Mike Wignall said Milobar did not discuss the move with the party’s executive council.
“We are disappointed that Peter Milobar and others did not stand by commitments made to this party, its Executive Council, and its members,” said Wignall.
“CentreBC will continue as a centrist party, and will field as many candidates as we are able,” he said.
The B.C. Conservatives say Brennan Day has also returned to the caucus. Day was among those who left the party over frustrations with Findlay but he didn’t join up with CentreBC.
