Milobar, who ran against Findlay in the party’s recent leadership race, was serving as the B.C. Tory’s finance critic.
“I completely respect the vote of the membership, and that Kerry-Lynne Findlay has earned the right as leader to shape the party as she sees fit,” said Milobar, who was first elected to the B.C. legislature in 2017.
“It has, however, become clear to me over the last few months that my values don’t align with this new direction.”
Milobar said he will have more to say about his future plans in the days ahead.
During the leadership race, although Milobar and Findlay aligned on many issues, including repealing B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and cutting provincial red tape, they clashed during a leadership debate when Findlay challenged Milobar over indigenous relations.
During the May 9 debate, Findlay questioned whether Milobar faces a conflict-of-interest situation in navigating indigenous relations and resource development, saying that “she also works for the Kamloops band.”
Milobar rejected Findlay’s assertion.
“Just say it. My wife’s indigenous so you think I’m in conflict-of-interest. I’ve never heard of something so ridiculous in my life,” Milobar said.
In an Aug. 14 statement, Findlay said he spoke with Milobar earlier in the day, when he reached out to her and shared his decision, and she wished him well.
“Peter has been a valued member of our team and I wish him nothing but the best in his future advocacy.”
Milobar, a former mayor of Kamloops and businessman, was first elected to represent Kamloops-North Thompson in 2017 and re-elected in 2020, before running in and winning the newly created Kamloops Centre riding in the 2024 provincial election.
