B.C. Conservative leader retains former rival in shadow cabinet

Kerry-Lynne Findlay says she’ll announce plans soon to seek a seat in the legislature and is rejecting criticism of her politics and rhetoric.

New B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay has kept former rival Peter Milobar and his supporters in her shadow cabinet, a day after installing a caucus leadership team that skewed toward her loyalists.

Milobar, who stood against Findlay in the leadership race she won a month ago, is retained as finance critic.

MLAs who backed Milobar also retained their portfolios in the lineup released Tuesday, including Gavin Dew for economic development, Kiel Giddens as labour critic and Scott McInnis as critic for Indigenous relations.

Other legislators retaining their roles include transport critic Harman Bhangu, Anna Kindy as health critic, and Steve Kooner as critic for attorney general.

A’a:liya Warbus, who was dropped by Findlay as house leader, finds a new role as housing critic, while ex-leader John Rustad becomes Treasury Board critic and former interim leader Trevor Halford becomes critic for transit and ICBC.

Findlay says she’s proud to have the support of the other leadership contestants, including Milobar, and the party is “more united than ever.”

“Together, we will stand up for British Columbians against the dishonesty, and incompetence of the NDP, and prepare to form government after the next election,” Findlay says.

Findlay’s husband, Surrey-area MLA, Brent Chapman also finds himself in shadow cabinet, serving as critic for arts, culture and AI.

The shadow cabinet was announced one day after Findlay named a leadership team, with several loyalists in key roles, including Sheldon Clare as new house leader.

Findlay still lacks a seat in the legislature, and her caucus will be meeting for a conference in Penticton on Thursday and Friday.

This report by Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press, was first published June 30, 2026.