A major shake-up is unfolding in British Columbia's Conservative Party leadership race as Peter Milobar's campaign manager abruptly steps aside just days after provincial election officials concluded an investigation into deceptive campaign tactics.
Mark Werner, who has steered Milobar's political career since 2016, announced Saturday he is "stepping back" from his role to "focus on his family business," according to a statement released on social media by Milobar's campaign team.
The departure comes after Elections B.C. levied a $4,500 fine against B.C. United for transmitting false statements during the 2024 election cycle. The regulator determined that a website and targeted mail campaign were orchestrated by B.C. United officials—not disgruntled party members as they falsely claimed.
"Dirty Trick" Allegation Surfaces
The controversial website, launched in August 2024, was designed to attack then-Conservative leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat. Elections B.C. investigation confirmed that B.C. United campaign officials hired an Alberta-based political firm called Sovereign North Strategies Inc. to run the operation.
Rustad, who was later removed as party leader in late 2025, has since accused former B.C. United leader Kevin Falcon of orchestrating the "incredibly Machiavellian" scheme intentionally to undermine Conservative election prospects. In a post on social media Thursday, Rustad suggested the "dirty trick" website suppressed voter turnout and may have cost his party victory in the provincial election.
"It's plain and simple," Rustad stated.
On April 9, Milobar issued a statement claiming he had conducted "preliminary discussions" with Werner that confirmed the campaign manager "had no knowledge" of the misleading website or mailer. Milobar also noted that B.C. United suspended operations on August 28, 2024—the same day Werner was terminated from his position with the party.
Final Stretch Without Key Strategist
Milobar, the former mayor of Kamloops, is considered one of the leading contenders to replace Rustad as Conservative Party leader. He currently represents the Kamloops riding in the provincial legislature.
The timing of Werner's departure represents a significant challenge for Milobar as the leadership race enters its final phase. The move comes as the Conservatives work to stabilize the party following Rustad's removal and navigate lingering questions about the conduct of their predecessors at B.C. United.
Werner told Canadian Press on Thursday that he had no involvement in either the anti-Rustad website or the mailer targeting Wat.
This article is based on reporting from CBC British Columbia and The Canadian Press.