(Image Credit: Mainstreet Research)

By Elora McCormack

BC Conservative leadership

Caroline Elliott, Peter Milobar polling ahead in BC Conservative leadership race

Mar 23, 2026 | 1:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar and Caroline Elliott are polling ahead of the pack in the BC Conservative leadership race, according to polling from Mainstreet Research.

The poll, commissioned by the Milobar campaign, shows Elliott and Milobar as clear frontrunners with party members.

“Among the findings, the first choice leader is Caroline Elliott with just over 2 in 10 votes (21.2 per cent) versus Peter Milobar at (20.8 per cent),” said Mainstreet Research.

“The results among a sample of both current members (2,213) and Conservative voters who indicated they intend to join the BC Conservative Party by the membership deadline of April 18 (365) for a total sample of 2,578.”

Despite seven candidates running to become the next party’s leader, Mainstreet Research said its poll shows it has become a two-horse race.

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However, 26.6 per cent of respondents said they are undecided and 38.9 per cent say they have no second choice, which Mainstreet Research said points to a polarized membership contest.

“With four weeks to go and candidates in full recruitment mode, this race does appear to be a close contest” said Quito Maggi, President and CEO of Mainstreet Research.

“Without a clear frontrunner at this stage, the race will be determined by second and third choice votes, how undecided voters choose and new recruits. While this race is inherently difficult to predict, one thing is certain, this outcome will not be decided early in the ranked ballot voting.”

According to Mainstreet’s poll, 30.6 per cent of BC Conservative Party members believe Milobar is most likely to unite the party and defeat the NDP.

The BC Conservative Party will announce its new leader on May 30, 2026.

(Image Credit: Mainstreet Research)