In a significant turn of events, Peter Milobar will proceed without his long-standing campaign manager, Mark Werner, as he nears the conclusion of the Conservative Party of British Columbia’s leadership contest. This change comes in the wake of controversy surrounding a misleading website and mail campaign aimed at former party leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat. Milobar’s campaign announced on social media that Werner is “stepping back” to concentrate on his family business, following allegations of his involvement in the contentious tactics.
Milobar Distances Himself from Controversial Tactics
The leadership race has been marred by scandal after Milobar issued a statement on Thursday distancing himself from the actions of his campaign team. He acknowledged “preliminary discussions” with Werner, emphasising that the campaign manager had no prior knowledge of the website or mailer that targeted Rustad and Wat.
“Let me be clear,” Milobar asserted. “I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teresa Wat.” His public condemnation of the campaign’s actions signals an attempt to protect his reputation amid growing scrutiny.
The controversy intensified when Elections B.C. fined B.C. United $4,500 for transmitting false information intended to influence electoral outcomes. The offending website, created in August 2024, was falsely attributed to disgruntled Conservatives, but Election B.C. later identified it as a product of B.C. United’s campaign team, led at the time by Werner. Despite the accusations, Werner maintained that he had no knowledge of the smear campaign, a claim that raises questions about accountability within the party.
A Leadership Contest in Flux
Milobar is a key contender to replace Rustad, who previously led the party to a notable 44-seat victory in the 2024 election but was ousted from his leadership role in late 2025. The political landscape has become increasingly complex, with Rustad accusing former B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon of deliberately undermining Conservative efforts to defeat the NDP through the controversial website.
“It’s incredibly Machiavellian. It’s plain and simple,” Rustad remarked, asserting that the website, identified as firejohnrustad.ca, likely suppressed voter turnout and may have cost the Conservatives crucial electoral victories.
The campaign’s turmoil has prompted Milobar to appoint Jeff Conaster as his new campaign manager, signalling a critical transition as candidates race against the clock; they have until April 18 to recruit new members eligible to vote next month.
Candidates in the Spotlight
As the race narrows, Milobar stands alongside other prominent 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 the sister-in-law of Falcon.
Political observers like UBC lecturer Stewart Prest suggest that this late adjustment in Milobar’s campaign strategy may inadvertently benefit Elliott. “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. His insights point to the potential for Elliott to secure a significant lead given the circumstances surrounding Milobar’s campaign.
With the fallout from these events still unfolding, Milobar’s close relationship with Werner could raise doubts among Conservative voters regarding his capabilities as a leader. Prest articulated that this association may cast Milobar as either “hopelessly naive or duplicitous,” further complicating his path to leadership.
Why it Matters
The developments within the B.C. Conservative leadership race are emblematic of a party grappling with its identity and future direction. As the fallout from the smear campaign lingers, the integrity of the party is at stake, casting a long shadow over the candidates vying for leadership. The outcome of this contest will not only determine the next leader but could also reshape the Conservatives’ electoral strategy in a province where political dynamics are rapidly evolving. The implications of these changes will resonate beyond the immediate leadership contest, potentially influencing the party’s long-term viability in the face of shifting voter sentiments.
