Peter Milobar (Image Credit: Global)

By Michael Reeve

BC CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP RACE

‘Rally as one’; Kamloops MLA Milobar enters Tory leadership race with message of unity

Jan 16, 2026 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar has announced he will seek the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

“A lot of people have asked me why would I be considering doing something like this. ;It’s such a fractured party. There is no way forward. It’s too divisive.’ The reality is much different,” said Milobar from Victoria as he announced his campaign Friday (Jan. 16).

“The reality that I have experienced in our caucus over the last year is a group of people working hard on behalf of British Columbians to try to move forward, be an effective opposition, be taken seriously and demonstrate very clearly that we are a government in waiting.”

In making his announcement in the Legislature Rose Garden, Milobar joined a crowded race as the sixth confirmed candidate seeking leadership of the BC Conservatives. Iain Black, Sheldon Clare, Caroline Elliott, Warren Hamm and Yuri Fulmer have all announced their desire to replace John Rustad.

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“In caucus, I’ve always been seen as a leader and I was the house leader for the better part of a year-and-a-half, bringing people together,” Milobar told CFJC News. “I would see that skillset in our current situation of really needing to rally as one, to be on a common page to be able to take on the NDP as a major strength.”

Milobar has been a member of the legislature since 2017, first elected as a member of the BC Liberals before joining the Conservatives in the wake of the BC United collapse. He also served as the mayor of Kamloops prior to entering provincial politics. 

While some may tie Milobar to the BC Liberals in an attempt to dismiss his bid, he says he’s not alone.

“I think everyone in this race has been a BC Liberal in one form or another over the last while. It’s all been very well documented,” added Milobar. “I really think this is about focusing forward, making sure that right-of-centre voter, regardless of how they vote federally, sees us as a viable option to make sure the NDP are unseated.”

Milobar currently holds the position of finance critic within the Conservative caucus. He plans to continue to work in that capacity during the race, with the approval of caucus. 

“I’m not to concerned about that,” said Milobar. “I have massive concerns about the budget and how that will roll out. My speech and after the first day-and-a-half or so of us sitting — that part of it is done for a little while, so I will be able to balance them.”

Milobar said his campaign will focus on restoring affordability, public safety and health care.