A new B.C. political party being formed by former Conservative MLAs Peter Milobar and Ian Paton has grown to five members after three Independent MLAs joined the group.
Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird, Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman and Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa꞉líya Warbus announced Friday they are joining the yet-to-be-named party.
The five are among nine MLAs who have left the B.C. Conservative caucus over the past three weeks amid concerns about Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership and the party’s direction.
Warbus said when she left the Conservatives earlier this week that she couldn’t properly represent her constituents while being part of a party led by Findlay.
“The decisions of this leader, or lack thereof, along with the parade of people that have already come and gone in the span of three short months strike a serious chord that everyone should pay close attention to,” she said.
“My support for common-sense policies has not changed, but I am disappointed nonetheless that my faith in Ms. Findlay’s ability to lead this party to victory has.”
Banman also cited concerns about Findlay’s leadership when he announced his departure from the Conservative caucus last week.
“After numerous conversations with many of my constituents, it has become clear under the new leadership and direction of the Conservative Party of B.C., an NDP win is becoming increasingly likely. Person after person has informed me they have decided that our new leader is unelectable.”
Milobar said he has been in contact with other MLAs about potentially joining the news party and wants to create what he described as a serious, credible option for voters that can win a general election.
Milobar will serve as interim leader until the party holds a leadership vote. The group plans to choose a permanent leader before the legislature resumes in October.
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