In a significant turn of events ahead of the Conservative Party of British Columbia’s leadership vote, Peter Milobar has lost his long-time campaign manager, Mark Werner, amid controversy surrounding a misleading campaign website and mail-out targeting former leader John Rustad and MLA Teresa Wat. This shake-up raises questions about the integrity of Milobar’s campaign and the potential implications for his bid to lead the party.
Campaign Manager Steps Back Amid Controversy
Werner’s departure, announced via social media on Saturday, comes as Milobar seeks to distance himself from the fallout of a contentious campaign strategy. Milobar confirmed that discussions with Werner revealed he had no prior knowledge of the website or mail-out, which were designed to undermine Rustad’s leadership and included unfounded allegations against Wat.
In a statement released on Thursday, Milobar firmly denounced the tactics employed, asserting, “Let me be clear, I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teressa Wat.” His statement followed a fine imposed by Elections B.C., which penalised B.C. United $4,500 for disseminating false information intended to influence election outcomes.
The misleading website, established in August 2024, was falsely attributed to discontented Conservatives. However, Elections B.C. traced its origins back to B.C. United campaign officials who had engaged a political consulting firm, Sovereign North Strategies Inc., to orchestrate the effort. Although Elections B.C. did not disclose the name of the campaign manager responsible, it was well-known that Werner held that position at the time.
A Leadership Challenge in Flux
Milobar, a prominent candidate to succeed Rustad, indicated that B.C. United had suspended its campaign on August 28, 2024—the same day that Rustad and former B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon announced an agreement to dissolve their campaign amid dwindling public support. This transition marked a pivotal moment for the party, which had emerged from the ashes of the former B.C. Liberals.
Rustad, who has since accused Falcon of deliberately sabotaging Conservative efforts to unseat the NDP, remarked on social media that the website, dubbed firejohnrustad.ca, likely suppressed voter turnout and may have cost the Conservatives a chance at victory. He described the move as “incredibly Machiavellian,” reflecting the deep divisions within the party.
Meanwhile, Werner maintained that he had not been approached by Elections B.C. despite their claims of attempting to contact him. He emphasised that he severed ties with B.C. United on the very day it ceased operations.
Changes to Milobar’s Campaign Team
In light of these developments, Milobar announced Jeff Conaster as Werner’s replacement. This change comes as the leadership race heats up, with candidates required to register new members by April 18, allowing them to participate in the voting process next month.
Milobar stands out as a leading contender, alongside fellow candidates contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, former federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and Caroline Elliott, who is notably the sister-in-law of Kevin Falcon.
Political analyst Stewart Prest noted that this unexpected shift in Milobar’s campaign could bolster Elliott’s chances. He stated, “Milobar is the ’champion’ of the moderate wing of the BC Conservatives, but they won’t be able to hold the line here any more than they could in BC United.” Prest emphasised that Milobar’s previous association with Werner may lead to scrutiny from party members, questioning whether he is either “hopelessly naive or duplicitous” given the campaign tactics employed.
A Question of Integrity
As the B.C. Conservative Party navigates this tumultuous period, the ramifications of these events could reshape its future. With Milobar’s campaign now under intense scrutiny, the leadership race is poised to be more contentious than ever. The fallout from the controversial tactics employed by B.C. United has not only fractured relationships within the party but also raised critical questions about the ethical standards expected from its leaders.
Why it Matters
The implications of these developments extend beyond mere party politics. The B.C. Conservative leadership race is a bellwether for the party’s future direction and its ability to unify disparate factions. As the Conservatives grapple with internal strife and public perception, the choices made in this leadership contest will significantly influence their viability in upcoming elections. How the party navigates this controversy will determine not only its leadership but also its capacity to regain the trust of its supporters and present a united front against the governing NDP.
