(Image Credit: Peter Milobar/Contributed)
Provincial Politics

Kamloops MLA Milobar to enter BC Conservative Leadership race Friday

Jan 15, 2026 | 5:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — A longtime Kamloops politician is set to throw his hat in the ring to become leader of the BC Conservative Party.

Peter Milobar, the MLA for Kamloops-Centre, has confirmed to CFJC Today that he will be making “a special announcement” at the BC Legislature Rose Garden at 10:00 a.m. this Friday (Jan. 16).

In December, Milobar didn’t rule out a leadership bid following John Rustad’s resignation as leader after a caucus revolt. He later told CFJC he would make a decision once the party released the criteria for the leadership contest.

Milobar is currently the BC Conservative’s Finance Critic, a role he also served as a member of the BC United (formerly BC Liberal) party. He has also served as the Opposition House Leader, the critic for Environment and Climate Change, as well as the critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Prior to begin elected as an MLA in 2017, Milobar served two terms as a Kamloops city councillor between 2002 and 2008 and three terms as mayor between 2008 and 2017. He’s the longest-serving mayor in Kamloops’ history.

Other declared candidates seeking leadership of the BC Conservatives include former B.C. cabinet minister Iain Black, political commentator Caroline Elliott, Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare, entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer, and Rossland contractor Warren Hamm.

Party president Aisha Estey is on record saying the leadership race will be called sometime this month so that a new leader can be elected as soon as possible.

Editor’s Note: CFJC will have more on this story on Friday after Milobar’s announcement