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

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

However, it noted that almost 3 in 10 respondents (26.6 per cent) said they did not have a second choice and almost 4 in 10 (38.9 per cent) said they have no third choice candidate, which Mainstreet Research said points to a polarized membership contest.

As for people who had more than one preferred candidate, the survey found Milobar lead among second choices at 9.8 per cent. Ian Black was a close second at 9.1 per cent, followed by Elliott at 7.8 per cent and Kerry-Lynne Findlay at 6 per cent rounding out the top four.

“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)

by Elora McCormack

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

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