The BC Conservative Party is entering a new chapter following John Rustad’s surprise resignation as leader last week. In the wake of the announcement, interim leader Trevor Halford has stepped up to maintain caucus cohesion and ensure the party remains focused on holding the NDP government accountable.

Amid the transition, veteran MLA Peter Milobar has indicated he is seriously considering stepping into the leadership race himself. Speaking with reporters, Milobar described the past week as “a bit chaotic” but underscored a sense of purpose within the caucus. “It kick-started a new direction for the party in terms of the party now needing to kick into a leadership race,” he said.

When asked about the timeline for selecting a permanent leader, the representative for Kamloops-Centre noted that while the party constitution offers only broad guidance, the board will soon set the rules, timeline, and process for the race. “It typically takes a few weeks for a party to get all of that organized,” he said.

On the question of potential candidates, Milobar did not rule himself out. “There’s certainly a lot of names being bandied about. And obviously, myself as a reasonably tenured MLA, I’m certainly giving it very serious consideration,” he said. “People have been encouraging me, and that’s always nice. But it’s really those conversations with your family and your supporters, and also with the party to understand the process they’re envisioning… I’m certainly not saying no, and I’m certainly going to give it all the due consideration it deserves. It would be a big task, but I’ve never shied away from those either in my life.”

As the BC Conservative Party charts its next steps, all eyes will be on potential candidates like Milobar, whose experience and measured approach may appeal to members looking for stability and direction in a period of uncertainty.