Former B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar has been named as the new leader of the CentreBC party, with former leader Mike Bernier stepping down Friday afternoon. Milobar left the B.C. Conservative caucus in mid-August, citing differences with party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay over direction, and several other MLAs followed suit over the next few weeks. In the hours leading up to Bernier’s announcement, CTV News learned that Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford and Skeena MLA Claire Rattée were out of the Conservative caucus as well—bringing the total to 12 MLAs out of the party since Findlay took over in May. CentreBC held no seats in the B.C. legislature before Friday’s announcement, but Milobar’s group joining forces gives them eight sitting MLAs. Previously, Milobar was announced as leader of a group of independent MLAs who left Findlay’s caucus, including Ian Paton, but the potential party was nameless. After being named as CentreBC party leader in Vancouver, Milobar introduced Elenore Sturko as one of the party’s newest members and said more MLAs are weighing their decisions and could soon join CentreBC. Further, he said he invited any MLAs unhappy with their current leadership to do the same. “Let’s face it, it’s a you-know-what show going on with the B.C. Conservatives right now,” he said. “Their leader seems to be expelling members left, right and centre.” “There is no doubt that that was always the plan to remove any and all members that are considered not extreme right enough, and by either not signing nomination papers or by moving forward and kicking them out of the caucus on the eve of an election.” After Friday’s announcement, 17 MLAs are believed to be sitting independent. It remains to be seen which members Milobar is referring to who may soon join CentreBC. CentreBC candidate Lakhwinder Jhaj is running against Findlay in the Abbotsford-Mission byelection on Sept. 26, and Milobar said the party will soon have candidates all over the province.
