File Photo (Image Credit: BC Legislature)

By James Peters

BC Politics

MLA Milobar happy to see end of B.C. Liberal leadership race, not concerned about court petition

Feb 4, 2022 | 2:58 PM

KAMLOOPS — The 18-month B.C. Liberal leadership race finally comes to an end this weekend.

Seven people have put their names forward for leader, including three sitting MLAs.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar has remained neutral in the race, citing his role as opposition house leader.

He believes the exercise will help bring the party together.

“Things have unfolded pretty much as they normally do,” Milobar told CFJC Today. “A little bumpy at times, but ultimately, I think we’re all looking forward to rallying behind our new leader and putting our best foot forward for the next two-and-a-half years to demonstrate to the public why they should entrust us as government and why we would be their best option.”

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

Question of the Week

Should Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson apologize or resign after it was found he breached a section of council's code of conduct for allowing false or misleading information to be communicated?

Dec 09, 2024

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Donald has it wrong - again

Dec 08, 2024

B.C. Supreme Court is hearing a petition today to delay the announcement of the winner until an audit of new memberships gained during the campaign can be explained.

Milobar does not believe the court proceeding will impede the election unfolding smoothly.

“One never knows 100 per cent how courts may react to things, but certainly as you look across the country with legal challenges of these type when it comes to internal party leadership races, they’re not uncommon and they’re rarely if ever successful,” he said.

Andrew Wilkinson resigned as leader shortly after the party was soundly defeated in the October, 2020 provincial election. Prince George-area MLA Shirley Bond has served as leader in the interim.

“It’s been phenomenal working with Shirley. For 15 months to be an interim leader — and myself as interim house leader — it’s been a challenge with three different sittings of the legislature to try to manage with people,” Milobar said. “I think caucus has really coalesced well behind Shirley’s leadership and we owe her a debt of thanks for steering the caucus along the way she has.”

Members began online voting for their next leader on Thursday (Feb. 3). Voting wraps up on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.