MLAs Paton and Milobar Form New Centrist B.C. Party

MLAs Ian Paton and Peter Milobar announced plans on August 24, 2026, to form a new centrist political party in British Columbia. Paton, the MLA for Delta South, and Milobar, the MLA for Kamloops Centre, both defected from the B.C. Conservative Party to sit as Independents while they register the new entity with Elections BC.

Paton cited dissatisfaction with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay's "extreme messaging," including an AI-generated video depicting Premier David Eby as a Soviet general. He also alleged that Findlay attempted to muzzle his communication with mainstream media regarding agriculture issues and oversaw staff purges. Milobar, who left the party on August 14, will serve as the new party's interim leader. Both MLAs stated they intend to provide a credible alternative for voters dissatisfied with the governing New Democratic Party and the Conservatives' shift toward a focus on "faith, freedom and family."

In response, Kerry-Lynne Findlay reshuffled the Conservative shadow cabinet, appointing Gavin Dew as finance critic and Bruce Banman as agriculture critic. MLA Reann Gasper also resigned her seat to allow Findlay to run in a byelection. The B.C. Conservatives now hold 36 seats, down eight since the 2024 election, while the NDP holds 48. If one more MLA joins Paton and Milobar, their new party could become the official third party in the legislature, potentially displacing the B.C. Greens.