Teresa Wat becomes sixth MLA to join new party formed by former B.C. Conservatives

Richmond-area MLA Teresa Wat says she has joined the still-unnamed party co-founded by Peter Milobar, a former B.C. Conservative leadership candidate and Opposition finance critic. Her move makes her the party’s sixth member.

Wat is among nine MLAs who have left the B.C. Conservatives in recent weeks, citing a range of concerns about leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Milobar left first last month, followed by Ian Paton, and the pair announced plans to form a new party. Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman and A’a:liya Warbus joined last week, bringing the group to five before Wat’s decision.

Wat said in a statement that she believes the new party can unite people and unseat the governing NDP. Milobar, serving as interim leader, said her decision demonstrates momentum behind the party. When the legislature resumes next month, it is expected to have the third-largest caucus, behind the NDP and the B.C. Conservatives.

The move comes before the Sept. 26 byelection, which will determine whether Findlay secures a legislature seat as the MLA for Abbotsford-Mission.