As the race to select a new leader for the British Columbia Conservative Party heats up, candidate Peter Milobar has found himself in the eye of a political storm. His long-time campaign manager, Mark Werner, has announced his departure from the campaign team, a move that raises questions about the integrity and direction of Milobar’s bid for leadership. This decision comes on the heels of a controversial website and mail-out that allegedly targeted former Conservative leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat.
Campaign Shake-Up
On Saturday, Milobar’s campaign confirmed via social media that Werner was stepping down to focus on his family business. This announcement follows Milobar’s prior statement in which he clarified that preliminary discussions with Werner revealed the latter’s lack of awareness regarding the contentious website and mailer. Milobar was unequivocal in his condemnation of the tactics employed, stating, “Let me be clear. I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teressa Wat.”
Milobar’s remarks came shortly after Elections B.C. imposed a $4,500 fine on B.C. United for disseminating false information in a bid to sway electoral outcomes, highlighting the fraught nature of the current political landscape. The website, which emerged in August 2024, was falsely attributed to disgruntled Conservatives but was, in fact, linked to B.C. United officials, including Werner, who was the campaign manager at the time.
The Fallout from Leadership Changes
The controversy surrounding the website and its implications for Milobar’s campaign are significant. He has distanced himself from the actions taken by B.C. United, asserting that he was under the impression that the campaign had been suspended on August 28, 2024, the same day Werner was terminated. This timeline coincides with the announcement of a deal between Rustad and former B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon, which saw the party suspend its campaign amid dwindling poll numbers.
Rustad, who led the Conservatives to a notable 44-seat victory in the 2024 general election, has been vocal about his belief that the website’s deployment was a deliberate effort to undermine his leadership. He described the strategy as “incredibly Machiavellian” and suggested it may have suppressed voter turnout, ultimately costing the Conservatives a chance at victory.
In light of the unfolding situation, Milobar has appointed Jeff Conaster as his new campaign manager, aiming to stabilise his bid for leadership as the April 18 membership sign-up deadline approaches.
Implications for the Leadership Race
Milobar is seen as a frontrunner in the leadership contest, alongside other candidates including contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, ex-federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and commentator Caroline Elliott, who is directly connected to Falcon. Political analysts, such as UBC lecturer Stewart Prest, suggest that this latest upheaval in Milobar’s campaign team may work to Elliott’s advantage, as she has been a prominent figure throughout the campaign.
Prest commented on Milobar’s predicament, suggesting that his past associations with Werner might cast a shadow over his candidacy. “I think you can say that Milobar either looks hopelessly naive or duplicitous,” he noted, highlighting the challenges ahead for the candidate as he attempts to navigate the turbulent waters of party politics.
Why it Matters
The resignation of Mark Werner and the surrounding controversy serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the British Columbia Conservative Party as it seeks to redefine itself in a post-Rustad era. With the leadership race intensifying, the decisions made over the next few weeks will not only impact the candidates involved but also shape the party’s future trajectory. The manner in which Milobar manages this crisis will be crucial, as he attempts to reassure party members and voters that he can lead with integrity and vision, essential qualities for any successful political leader.
