Then-B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Peter Milobar speaks during a debate at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Vancouver on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito
Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar has announced he’s leaving the B.C. Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent, saying his “values don’t align” with the direction being taken by the party under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Milobar, who ran against Findlay in the party’s recent leadership race, was serving as the B.C. Tories’ finance critic.
“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, who was first elected to the B.C. legislature in 2017.
“It has, however, become clear to me over the last few months that my values don’t align with this new direction.”
Milobar said he will have more to say about his future plans in the days ahead.
During the leadership race, although Milobar and Findlay aligned on many issues, including repealing B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and cutting provincial red tape, they clashed during a leadership debate when Findlay challenged Milobar over indigenous relations.
During the May 9 debate, Findlay questioned whether Milobar faces a conflict-of-interest situation in navigating indigenous relations and resource development, saying that “she also works for the Kamloops band.”
Milobar rejected Findlay’s assertion.
“Just say it. My wife’s indigenous so you think I’m in conflict-of-interest. I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous in my life,” Milobar said.
In an Aug. 14 statement, Findlay said she spoke with Milobar earlier in the day when he reached out to her and shared his decision, and she wished him well.
“I sincerely thank him for his many years of service to British Columbia and his excellent work as the Conservative Party of BC’s Shadow Minister for Finance,” Findlay said.
“Peter has been a valued member of our team and I wish him nothing but the best in his future advocacy.”
Milobar’s departure is the latest change within the party following Findlay’s leadership victory on May 30. It comes weeks after executive director Angelo Isidorou announced on July 29 that he is leaving the role on “amicable and mutual terms” to pursue unspecified future plans.
Milobar, a former mayor of Kamloops and businessman, was first elected to represent Kamloops-North Thompson in 2017 and re-elected in 2020, before running in and winning the newly created Kamloops Centre riding in the 2024 provincial election.
