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In a surprising turn of events, Peter Milobar’s campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia has been rocked by the departure of his long-time campaign manager, Mark Werner. This development comes as Milobar navigates a turbulent political landscape marred by allegations surrounding a contentious website and promotional mail-out that targeted former Conservative leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat. With the leadership race reaching its final stages, the implications of this shake-up could be significant for Milobar and the party’s future.
Departure of Mark Werner
On Saturday, Milobar’s campaign announced that Werner would be stepping back to focus on his family business. This decision follows Milobar’s statement made earlier in the week, in which he clarified that preliminary discussions with Werner confirmed the latter’s ignorance of the controversial website and mailer. “Let me be clear,” Milobar stated, “I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teressa Wat.”
This statement comes on the heels of Elections B.C. imposing a fine of $4,500 on B.C. United for disseminating misleading information intended to sway election results. The website in question, created in August 2024, falsely claimed to be the work of disillusioned Conservatives but was actually linked to B.C. United campaign officials. Evidence from Elections B.C. indicates that the efforts were coordinated by the campaign manager at the time, a role held by Werner.
Milobar’s Position and Party Dynamics
In his statement, Milobar asserted that B.C. United had suspended its campaign on August 28, 2024, coinciding with the termination of Werner. This date marked a pivotal moment in the party’s strategy, as Rustad and then B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon announced their alliance amid dismal polling figures. Historically intertwined with B.C. United, Milobar switched allegiances to the Conservatives, winning his Kamloops riding with ease.
Rustad, who was ousted from his leadership post in late 2025, has accused Falcon of deliberately undermining Conservative efforts to defeat the NDP through the controversial website. He described the situation as “incredibly Machiavellian,” suggesting that the tactics employed may have suppressed voter turnout and ultimately cost the Conservatives victory.
Implications for the Leadership Race
With the leadership race entering its final stretch, candidates have until April 18 to register new members who will be eligible to vote in the leadership contest next month. Milobar is viewed as a frontrunner, competing against a diverse field that includes contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, ex-federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and commentator Caroline Elliott—who is closely related to Falcon.
Political analyst Stewart Prest noted that this shake-up in Milobar’s campaign could inadvertently benefit Elliott, who has positioned herself as a strong contender. “Milobar is the champion of the moderate wing of the B.C. Conservatives, but they won’t be able to hold the line here any more than they could in B.C. United,” Prest commented. He further suggested that Milobar’s close ties to Werner may raise questions regarding his naivety or duplicity, given the significant role that Werner played in the anti-Rustad campaign.
Why it Matters
The unraveling of Milobar’s campaign team amid allegations of underhanded tactics has the potential to reshape the future of the Conservative Party in British Columbia. As candidates prepare for the upcoming leadership vote, the fallout from this controversy will likely resonate throughout the party, influencing voter perceptions and loyalty. With the race heating up, Milobar’s ability to distance himself from past controversies while solidifying his position as a leading candidate will be crucial in determining not only his fate but also the broader direction of the B.C. Conservatives.
