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The B.C. legislature building is pictured on April 14. Ian Paton, the MLA for Delta South, says the Conservatives’ direction under the party’s new leader, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, no longer aligns with his beliefs and he intends to form a new party with Peter Milobar.CHAD HIPOLITO/The Canadian Press
Two British Columbia MLAs who have recently defected from the provincial Conservatives say they are forming a new party.
Ian Paton, the MLA for Delta South, says the Conservatives’ direction under the party’s new leader, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, no longer aligns with his beliefs and he intends to form a new party with Peter Milobar, who left the party earlier this month.
Paton says in a statement their intention is to “give a home to those who feel politically homeless” in B.C.
Milobar joined Paton to speak with reporters in Victoria, saying they plan to register as an official party with Elections BC before the fall legislative session.
B.C. opposition finance critic Peter Milobar exits conservative party
The former Opposition finance critic says he and Paton could be a party of two, but he was hearing from Conservative caucus members that “some may still come, some may not.”
Milobar says many voters are dissatisfied with the governing New Democrats but “do not see a path forward” with the Conservatives under Findlay.
Paton’s departure is the latest in a string of high-profile changes in the party since Findlay was elected leader in May.
Executive director Angelo Isidorou, president Aisha Estey and vice president Sharon White have all left their posts in recent weeks.
Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper has also resigned to allow Findlay to run for her seat in a byelection.