B.C. Conservative Leadership Debate Faces Controversy Over Candidate Absences
The B.C. Conservative Party is entering the public phase of its leadership campaign this week with its first debate, but the event has been marred by significant controversy. Two high-profile candidates, former B.C. United vice-president Caroline Elliott and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar, will not be attending the Wednesday evening debate, generating fallout and accusations.
Elliott's No-Show Sparks Backlash
Caroline Elliott's absence has drawn particular attention and criticism. According to Juno News, the conservative-leaning organization hosting the debate, Elliott initially committed to attend the only leadership debate scheduled before the April 18 membership cutoff. After agreeing to the date, format, and venue, her campaign reportedly bought out nearly all tickets to the venue.
"We weren't going to let one campaign control the audience, so we moved the debate to a larger venue," wrote Juno co-founder Keean Bexte last Thursday. "At that point, Elliott backed out."
The announcement prompted a strong response from Aaron Gunn, the federal North Island-Powell River Conservative MP and scheduled co-moderator of the event. "Real conservatives, especially those running to be leader, should never be afraid to defend their beliefs, their principles and their policies," Gunn wrote on social media. "Fake conservatives, on the other hand, have every incentive to hide."
Elliott's Defense and Alternative Plans
Elliott responded defensively with her own social media posting, stating she is "excited to take part in any and all debates sanctioned by the Conservative Party of B.C., including the two that are currently scheduled for the end of April." She argued that the Juno debate is unsanctioned and its timing before the membership cutoff date takes time away from growing the party through membership sign-ups.
She also claimed her agreement to attend was based on misleading information that all other candidates would participate, only learning later that Milobar was attending a previously scheduled event in Nanaimo. "We encouraged Juno to move the debate until after the membership cutoff," she continued. "When they wouldn't reschedule, we declined to participate — but reiterated that I am happy to participate at a later date."
Instead of attending the debate, Elliott is proceeding with a rally of her own in Kelowna on Wednesday. As one social media respondent noted, "If you are explaining, you are losing."
Political Context and Candidate Backgrounds
Elliott claims to have raised $1 million already and has collected endorsements from two candidates who dropped out: Conservative Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu and former Jim Pattison executive Darrell Jones. However, she is unproven in the political arena, having not previously run for office, making her no-show more questionable than that of Milobar.
Peter Milobar, the former Kamloops mayor who has been elected three times to a seat in the legislature, brings established political experience to the race. His absence due to a prior commitment in Nanaimo has received less scrutiny but still contributes to the debate's diminished candidate lineup.
The controversy highlights internal tensions within the B.C. Conservative Party as it seeks to build momentum ahead of the 2026 leadership decision. With the first public debate now missing two key contenders, the event may struggle to provide voters with a comprehensive view of the leadership options, potentially impacting the party's cohesion and public perception.
