A B.C. provincial flag hangs in front of the legislature building in Victoria on April 14, 2026. The Canadian Press/Chad Hipolito
Delta South MLA Ian Paton says he is leaving the B.C. Conservatives to serve as an Independent, as he works toward forming a new political party with fellow ex-Tory Peter Milobar.
He said his decision to leave the party is because he is not aligned with the party’s new leader, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who won the leadership race on May 30.
Paton made the announcement in front of the B.C. Legislature on Aug. 24, with Milobar by his side. Paton is the second MLA to exit the party under Findlay, following Milobar’s departure more than two weeks ago.
MLA Ian Paton in a photo file. Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
The B.C. Conservatives have faced internal turmoil over the past two years, leading to the resignation or expulsion of six other MLAs as well as the resignation of previous leader John Rustad.
Paton has served as an MLA in Metro Vancouver since 2017, first under the B.C. Liberals and then the renamed B.C. United, before, similar to Milobar, joining the Conservatives after United suspended its campaign before the 2024 provincial election.
Findlay said in a statement that she is “disappointed” by Paton’s decision, but thanked him for his contributions.
“The Conservative Party of BC remains firm and steadfast in our mission to defeat the NDP and restore prosperity, opportunity and accountability to British Columbia,” she said. “There is important work ahead, and we will remain focused on delivering the change British Columbians deserve.”
Plans
He noted in a statement that he joined the B.C. Conservatives in 2024 because he believed it would become a “broad coalition” for residents who wanted “responsible, common-sense government.”
“It has become clear to me that the new direction of the Conservative Party of B.C. under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay is no longer aligned with my beliefs,” he said.
Paton’s statement said he initially plans to sit as an Independent and will provide details about his future plans “in the coming days,” but he and Milobar confirmed their plans to form a new party during the Aug. 24 press conference.
Milobar, who ran against Findlay in the recent B.C. Conservative leadership race, told reporters they plan to register as an official party with Elections BC before the fall legislative session.
Paton’s defection comes nearly a month after he told Findlay that he was stepping down as Lower Mainland lieutenant for the party.
“Between my responsibilities as MLA for Delta South and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, the demands of running my farm, and wanting to spend time with my elderly mother and grandchildren, I simply don’t have enough time to give this role the attention it deserves,” Paton wrote on X.
“This decision has nothing to do with any disagreement or dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party of British Columbia or its leadership,” he added. “Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is a longtime friend who continues to have my full support, and I remain committed to serving the people of Delta South and helping our team form government.”
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
