In a significant turn of events within the British Columbia Conservative leadership race, Peter Milobar has lost his long-time campaign manager, Mark Werner, just as the competition intensifies. The announcement follows a series of revelations concerning a controversial website and mail-out that targeted former Conservative leader John Rustad and MLA Teresa Wat. This latest twist adds to the drama surrounding the party as candidates prepare for crucial membership sign-ups ahead of next month’s vote.
Campaign Shake-Up
Milobar’s campaign confirmed on Saturday that Werner will be stepping back to focus on his family business. This decision comes in the wake of Milobar’s statement on Thursday, which indicated that preliminary discussions with Werner had established he was unaware of the contentious website and mailer that have sparked outrage within party ranks. In his statement, Milobar emphasised his disapproval of such tactics, particularly the “horrendous allegations” levelled against Wat.
The controversy escalated after Elections B.C. imposed a fine of $4,500 on B.C. United for disseminating false statements aimed at influencing election outcomes. The website, which emerged in August 2024, falsely claimed to have been created by disgruntled Conservatives. However, Elections B.C. attributed its origins to B.C. United officials, including Werner, who was serving as the campaign manager at that time.
The Fallout
Milobar’s distancing from the website came as he confirmed that B.C. United had suspended its campaign on August 28, 2024, the same day Werner was terminated. This period marked the collapse of B.C. United’s campaign, which had been struggling due to poor polling numbers and internal conflicts stemming from Rustad’s ousting from the B.C. Liberals by then-leader Kevin Falcon.
Rustad, who later ascended to lead the Conservatives and secured 44 seats in the 2024 general election, has accused Falcon of intentionally undermining efforts to unseat the NDP with the controversial website. Rustad labelled the actions as “incredibly Machiavellian,” suggesting that the tactics used could have suppressed voter turnout, ultimately costing the Conservatives the election.
Werner, for his part, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that he had not been contacted by Elections B.C., despite their claims of outreach. He reiterated that his departure from B.C. United coincided with the campaign’s termination.
Who’s Next?
In light of these developments, Milobar has appointed Jeff Conaster to lead his campaign as he continues to vie for the leadership position. Candidates now face a deadline of April 18 to recruit new members eligible to vote in the leadership contest next month. Milobar is currently seen as a leading contender against other candidates, including contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and Caroline Elliott, a commentator and sister-in-law of Falcon.
Political analysts have weighed in on the implications of this reshuffling. UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest noted that the late change in Milobar’s campaign team could benefit Elliott, who is perceived as a more moderate candidate. He suggested that Milobar’s close ties to Werner might raise eyebrows among Conservatives, potentially casting doubt on his judgement and integrity.
Why it Matters
The resignation of Milobar’s campaign manager amid such a scandal not only complicates the leadership race but also raises critical questions about the ethical conduct within the Conservative Party of B.C. As candidates navigate this turbulent landscape, the fallout from these controversies could have lasting repercussions on party unity and public perception, especially as they prepare for future electoral challenges against a formidable NDP government. The integrity of the party’s leadership process is now under scrutiny, and how Milobar addresses these issues could determine his viability as a future leader.