Ian Paton leaves B.C. Conservatives, plans new party with Peter Milobar

Delta South MLA Ian Paton has left the B.C. Conservatives and says he plans to form a new political party with Peter Milobar, who departed the party earlier this month.

Paton said the Conservatives’ direction under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay no longer matches his beliefs. In a statement, he said the proposed party would offer a political home to people who feel politically homeless in British Columbia.

Milobar said in Victoria that the pair intend to register with Elections BC before the fall legislative session. The former Opposition finance critic said the party could initially consist of two MLAs, though he has heard from Conservative caucus members that more departures may be possible.

Milobar said some voters are dissatisfied with the governing New Democrats but do not see a path forward with the Conservatives under Findlay. Paton’s departure follows other recent changes since Findlay was elected leader in May, including the exits of executive director Angelo Isidorou, president Aisha Estey and vice-president Sharon White. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper has also resigned to allow Findlay to seek her seat in a byelection.