Ian Paton quits B.C. Conservatives to pursue new centrist party

Delta South MLA Ian Paton has left the B.C. Conservative Party and plans to form a new centrist party with Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar in the coming weeks.

Paton will sit as an Independent. Milobar, who quit the Conservatives on Aug. 14, is to serve as interim leader of the proposed party. The pair say they want to appeal to voters they describe as politically homeless and concerned by Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s messaging and internal management.

Milobar said other Conservative caucus members may consider joining, though he said it would be a personal decision. Two MLAs are enough to form an official caucus in the legislature, with additional privileges and funding.

Paton cited limited communication with Findlay, concerns that staff restricted his contact with media on agriculture matters, and party social-media messaging. Findlay said she was disappointed by his departure and that the Conservatives remain focused on defeating the NDP.

The Conservatives now hold 36 seats, while the governing NDP has 48. A further defection to the proposed party would make it the official third party in the legislature.