B.C. Conservative Leadership Race: Peter Milobar Gains Caucus Endorsements Amid Candidate Vetting
As the British Columbia Conservative party continues its rigorous vetting process for 11 unofficial candidates aspiring to become the next leader of the official Opposition—and potentially the next premier—one contender has already garnered significant support from within the caucus. Peter Milobar, the MLA for Kamloops Centre, stood on the front steps of the legislature on Wednesday, flanked by five fellow Conservative MLAs who publicly endorsed his leadership bid.
Endorsements Signal Early Loyalties
The endorsements came from MLAs Brennan Day of Courtenay-Comox, Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Kiel Giddens of Prince George-Mackenzie, Scott McInnis of Columbia River-Revelstoke, and Ward Stamer of Kamloops-North Thompson. This show of unity marks the first clear indication of where the loyalties of certain MLAs lie, a crucial factor in determining whether any candidate can successfully unite the Conservative party, which has faced internal fractures over the past year.
These fractures included the resignation or ejection of five MLAs from caucus and the departure of previous leader John Rustad, highlighting the need for a unifying figure. Kiel Giddens emphasized this point, stating, “Peter will be the leader who can unify our entire caucus, our entire membership, and all British Columbians.” He added that while all leadership candidates would be preferable to current Premier David Eby, the caucus is rallying behind Milobar to ensure clarity and cohesion.
Vetting Process and Candidate Pool
The party’s election organizing committee is currently vetting all 11 prospective candidates to ensure they have no problematic past activities before allowing them to proceed. This process follows a nomination deadline of February 15, by which each candidate had to collect 250 signatures from existing party members and raise $5,000. Once cleared, candidates must pay the party $10,000 within three business days of approval, with additional instalments of $40,000 due by April 1 and $60,000 by April 18.
Besides Milobar, four other members of the Conservative caucus have announced their candidacy:
- Bruce Banman, MLA for Abbotsford South
- Harman Bhangu, MLA for Langley-Abbotsford
- Steve Kooner, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough
- Sheldon Clare of Prince George-North Cariboo
The remaining candidates include former provincial cabinet minister Iain Black, political commentator Caroline Elliott, Capilano University Chancellor Yuri Fulmer, former Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, former Pattison Food Group President Darrell Jones, and Rossland contractor Warren Hamm.
Milobar’s Campaign Momentum
Milobar noted that he will provide more details on his campaign’s fundraising efforts and membership sign-ups in the future. For now, the endorsement of his colleagues underscores the growing momentum of his campaign. This early support could be pivotal in a race where party unity is paramount, especially given the Conservatives’ recent challenges and the high stakes of potentially forming the next government.
The leadership race is unfolding against a backdrop of political tension, with the B.C. NDP recently criticizing Tory MLA musings on cuts to health care and education, and the Greens ending their deal to back the NDP, though an early election remains unlikely. As the vetting process continues, all eyes are on the Conservative party to see how it navigates this critical period and selects a leader capable of bridging divides and mounting a strong opposition.
