In a significant shift during the competitive race to lead the B.C. Conservative Party, Peter Milobar has announced that his long-time campaign manager, Mark Werner, will step down to prioritise his family business. This development follows a controversial incident involving a misleading website and promotional materials targeting former Conservative leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat.
Milobar Distances Himself from Controversy
On Thursday, Milobar issued a statement clarifying that preliminary discussions with Werner revealed he had no prior knowledge of the contentious website and mail-out. Milobar explicitly condemned the tactics used against Wat, stating, “Let me be clear, I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teresa Wat.” His remarks came after Elections B.C. imposed a fine of $4,500 on B.C. United for disseminating false information aimed at influencing election outcomes through the website.
The site, launched in August 2024, falsely claimed to be the work of disgruntled Conservatives but was, in fact, orchestrated by B.C. United campaign officials who enlisted the services of an Alberta-based firm, Sovereign North Strategies Inc. Although Elections B.C. did not name the campaign manager involved, it has been established that Werner held this position at the time the incident occurred.
Implications of the Leadership Race
Milobar’s assertion that Werner was terminated on August 28, 2024, coincides with the suspension of B.C. United’s campaign, a decision announced by Rustad and then-leader Kevin Falcon amidst declining poll numbers. This suspension marked a critical juncture, as Rustad had previously been expelled from the B.C. Liberal caucus by Falcon in 2022, positioning him to later assume leadership of the Conservative Party and guide it to a remarkable 44 seats in the 2024 general election.
Rustad, who was ousted from his leadership role in late 2025, has accused Falcon of intentionally undermining Conservative efforts to defeat the NDP through the promotion of the website. He characterised the strategy as “incredibly Machiavellian,” suggesting that the actions may have suppressed voter turnout and cost the Conservatives a potential victory.
A New Direction for Milobar’s Campaign
In light of these developments, Milobar has appointed Jeff Conaster as the new campaign manager. This transition occurs as the race intensifies, with candidates required to sign up new party members by April 18, making them eligible to vote in the leadership election next month. Milobar remains a prominent contender in the race, alongside other candidates including contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and commentator Caroline Elliott, who is notably related to Falcon.
Political analysts, such as UBC lecturer Stewart Prest, have suggested that this late change in Milobar’s campaign team may inadvertently benefit Elliott. Prest noted that Milobar, often seen as the representative of the party’s moderate faction, may struggle to maintain his position given the recent controversies surrounding his campaign team. “Milobar either looks hopelessly naive or duplicitous,” Prest asserted, pointing to the significant involvement of senior members of his campaign in the effort to oust Rustad.
Why it Matters
The unfolding drama within the B.C. Conservative Party underscores the complexities of internal politics and leadership dynamics. As Milobar seeks to navigate the fallout from this controversy, his ability to distance himself from past associations while appealing to a divided party will be crucial. The implications of these events could reshape the future of the Conservatives in British Columbia, impacting not only the leadership race but also the party’s broader electoral strategy as it prepares for upcoming challenges.