Home »
MLA Davis stands with party as rift widens
Kootenay Rockies MLA Pete Davis is standing with the B.C. Conservative Party following the latest key split in the party, with Delta South MLA Ian Paton announcing today he is leaving to serve as an independent Member of the Legislature.
He intends to join recent party leadership candidate Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar, who left the B.C. Conservative caucus August 14, in a new provincial political party.
“I have had the privilege of representing Delta South in the Legislature since 2017. In 2024 I joined the BC Conservatives with the belief that it would become a broad coalition for British Columbians who wanted responsible, common-sense government. What united us was a broad belief in responsible government, private enterprise, fiscal discipline and building a strong economy,” Paton said in a statement to media.
“It has become clear to me that the new direction of the Conservative Party of BC under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay is no longer aligned with my beliefs. I was elected to represent Delta South in Victoria. I was not elected to simply represent a political party in Delta South.
“My first responsibility as an MLA is to the people of Delta South who elected me and with that, effective immediately, I will be sitting as an Independent Member of the BC Legislature alongside MLA Peter Milobar,” Paton outlined.
“I want to be clear that our intention is to form a new party in the BC legislature to give a home to those who feel politically homeless in this province and to stop the NDP from further destruction of British Columbia.”
Local MLA Davis (pictured) said on social media this morning, “it’s unfortunate to see people leaving our caucus. The members of this party chose a leader, and I will support her 100%. That is final!
“I came into this with one goal: to defeat the NDP and turn this province around. I will not be diverted from that mission. Now is the time for unity, not division.
“The Conservative Party of BC is the vessel that will defeat the NDP. We have work to do. Let’s stay focused, stand together and get the job done,” Davis said.
e-KNOW
