Victoria/Fraser Valley (with files from Canadian Press/ CKNW/Black Press) – Peter Milobar of Kamloops Centre will serve as interim leader for the unnamed party, joined by Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Áʼalíya Warbus. The group broke away amid concerns over the Conservatives’ direction under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, which has seen nine defections total. They promise a stable alternative to the NDP, prioritizing economy, healthcare, affordability, taxes, and land rights, with plans to gear up for the next election within two years.
From Canadian Press: Three B.C. legislators who recently left the Conservative caucus have joined a new party.
Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman and A’a:liya Warbus say in a joint statement that they’re joining the yet-to-be-named party being formed by Peter Milobar and Ian Paton.
Milobar and Paton, two other legislature members, also left the Conservative caucus under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
The statement says the new party is to hold a leadership vote before the legislature resumes Oct. 5, with Milobar serving as interim leader.
It says the party plans to sit with official third-party status, holding the five seats.
There has been a recent exodus of legislators from the Conservative caucus, with nine leaving and citing Findlay’s leadership since she won the job in a narrow vote in May.
Scott McInnis and Donegal Wilson were the latest to depart on Wednesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2026.
FVN spoke with Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman on the new Party –
