POLITICS – Milobar enters leadership race, pledges to end ‘chaos’
MLA Peter Milobar at his announcement in Victoria. (Image: Screenshot, Facebook)
Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar is officially in the running to become the next leader of the BC Conservatives. Milobar made the announcement this morning (Jan. 16, 2026) in Victoria.
In a speech sent live over Facebook and X, the former Kamloops mayor said British Columbians are tired of the “chaos” created by David Eby’s NDP government.
“We are in crisis” in the healthcare system, he said, pointing to the resignation of OBGYNs at Royal Inland Hospital as an example, and adding, “We have people literally dying on wait lists in record numbers right now.”
As Conservative leader and premier, “B.C. can expect full accountability” from him, said Milobar, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2017 under the BC Liberal banner and currently serves as finance critic for the Conservatives.
He extended the “chaos” label to crime and drugs on the streets. Noting that a London Drugs store in Vancouver’s Eastside announced last week it would close due to theft and violence, he pointed out that a McDonald’s in downtown Kamloops closed a few years ago for the same reasons.
“We can no longer be treating property crime as if it’s something to shrug at,” Milobar said, adding that people need to feel safe walking on their streets.
He confirmed his support for the repeal of DRIPA, a position that has been a policy of the BC Conservatives since the party was re-constituted.
“David Eby needs to admit it is not working, and we need to restart the reconciliation process.” He added, “We need to protect private property rights.”
Responding to questions from reporters, he said if chosen leader he would consult with the MLAs who have defected from the party, but differences of opinion are a natural occurrence in politics.
“John Rustad (former leader) demonstrated the party is bigger than any one person.” Rustad, who was forced out as leader under pressure from his caucus, did what was right for the party, Milobar said.
He was coy about how many MLAs have pledged to support him, but claimed the number is growing daily and said names will be revealed later. His campaign slogan is “Ready to lead B.C.”
So far, declared leadership candidates include Caroline Elliott, Iain Black, Sheldon Clare, Yuri Fulmer and Warren Hamm.
— Mel Rothenburger
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Being cynical … and being a little shy of BC Conservatives, and not really knowing who Caroline Elliott, Iain Black, Sheldon Clare, Yuri Fulmer and Warren Hamm are, and not being as fan of Mr. Milobar and his performance as representative of our riding from across the aisle,
… are … these enough disclaimers yet?
That said, I’m left to wonder if Milobar is thinking to throw his hat in the ring, on a very outside chance of becoming leader, but more realistically get his foot in the door of the room full of party influencers, and should the next election manage a Conservative govt, he will be in a better position for a cabinet position … or better.
Its a good idea, from a personal ambition angle, as well as the potential calming approach he might add to the Con rebuild after the farse. Will say though, not a fan of how far his social conservatism has shifted since the party change … a decided right shift.
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this from the man who had nothing good to say about the conservative party before he was out of a job and then happily Jumped to them.. Not interested.
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