B.C. politics is 'wild' as a new political party of Conservative defectors forms
It’s official: B.C. has a new political party.
Over the past month, nine MLAs have left B.C. Conservative caucus, with many citing concerns about the direction of the party under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, started what would soon become an exodus of MLAs from the B.C. Conservatives on Aug. 14. Less than two weeks later, he was followed by Ian Paton, MLA for Delta South, on Aug. 24. Both MLAs announced their intention to form a new political party.
Seven more MLAs have left since then, alongside a number of notable staff members.
And on Sept. 4, Milobar and Paton officially announced their new provincial party, which includes Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Áʼa:líya Warbus.
On X, some users shared both amusement and dismay at the new development.
“I’m in Ontario but I can’t help but notice how wild BC politics is right now,” wrote a user on X. “Eby must be laughing his head off.”
“We had a brief window where it seemed we were finally becoming [a] stable two-party, right-vs-left system, but now I don’t know what the hell we’re becoming,” wrote political commentator J.J. McCullough.
Another person added that they think that rather than a new political party, the B.C. Conservatives “just need a new leader.”
However, the MLAs of the new party think differently. Rosalyn Bird, MLA of Prince George -Valemount, said that they are “giving voters a stable, thoughtful alternative to the NDP.”
Great news!
There is now a Stable Serious Alternative to the NDP heading into the next election! pic.twitter.com/w2OsJnFHge— Bruce Banman (@BruceBanman) September 4, 2026
MLA Áʼa:líya Warbus of Chilliwack Cultus-Lake said that the team has a “long-term vision for this province and a real commitment ot the issues that matter.
“We have, at most, two years to be election-ready to defeat the NDP, and joining Peter and Ian is a commitment to making sure voters have a strong alternative when that election comes. There’s no time to waste — Peter and Ian have been moving forward at full steam ahead, and I’m ready to get to work alongside them.”
Milobar will serve as the interim leader until the party elects a permanent leader before the Legislature returns on Oct. 5.
What do the other political parties think?
The B.C. NDP issued a press release following the announcement, saying that the newest political party is “a conservative spinoff that would make cuts and continues to welcome MLAs who push far-right conspiracy theories.”
It criticized some of the various members for supporting the “freedom convoy” in 2022 and doubting carbon dioxide’s contribution to climate change.
In a statement on Sept. 3, Findlay acknowledged “challenges and disagreements” that have come with the B.C. Conservative party growing “tremendously in a very short period of time.”
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it acknowledgement from @KerryLynneFindl that “strong leaders listen, learn and make changes where changes are needed” is the first time I’ve seen the leader come even close to admitting she’s made any mistakes. pic.twitter.com/gaVlhrlIv9
— Rob Shaw (@RobShaw_BC) September 4, 2026
“I have listened carefully to our members, our caucus and British Columbians, and I know there are things we can do better, but our platform remains the same.”
“As leader, it is my responsibility to bring our team together, strengthen our party and make sure we never lose sight of who we are to serve.”
Further, she added that British Columbians aren’t interested in “political infighting,” but about health care, public safety, affordability, and education.
Daily Hive reached out to the B.C. Conservatives for comment and will update the story once we hear back.