Richmond MLA Teresa Wat joins new B.C. political party

Richmond-Bridgeport MLA Teresa Wat has joined a newly formed political party after leaving the BC Conservative Party in late August. The unnamed party is led by interim leader Peter Milobar.

Wat is among several former BC Conservative MLAs who have joined the party, which was announced two weeks ago. Its launch followed an exodus of BC Conservative MLAs under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

In a Sept. 11 media statement, Wat said British Columbians want a strong, credible alternative to the NDP focused on affordability and competent government. She said she made careful considerations before deciding to join Milobar in building the party, and believes it can bring together people from across the province and replace the NDP as British Columbia’s government.

When announcing her departure from the BC Conservative Party, Wat cited a July 29 media report in which Findlay was alleged to have made serious, unfounded accusations about her, including remarks questioning her allegiance to Canada.

Milobar said the new party’s caucus is growing and welcomed Wat, describing her as an experienced legislator and former cabinet minister. He said there is a clear appetite for a serious alternative to the NDP, adding that British Columbians are tired of out-of-control spending and of a government he said is responsible for declines in many provincial sectors.

The Conservatives won 44 seats in the legislature in the 2024 election. A series of defections, first under former leader John Rustad and then under Findlay, has reduced their ranks to 28.