Peter Milobar is going into the race for BC Conservative leader with the confidence that comes from 24 years in politics, and a belief that the party’s future depends on looking less like an online movement and more like a government-in-waiting.

“I don’t do things to lose,” he said in a recent interview.

“I don’t expect an iron-clad guarantee to win, but I also make sure I have the right components in place, that I have a serious team behind me, that I have the fundraising capabilities, to be a legitimate and serious contender in the race.”

The Kamloops Centre MLA is the most experienced name in the Conservative leadership race so far, with two terms on Kamloops council, three terms as mayor and three tours of duty at the provincial legislature.

Along the way, the 55-year-old has learned a thing or two about navigating contentious issues while maintaining public confidence. It’s a balancing act he’s now deploying in full force as he carves out a centrist lane focused on bread-and-butter issues like the economy, while deliberately sidestepping the cultural landmines of gender rights and sexual orientation that have consumed some parts of the conservative movement.

“I have a demonstrated skill set to deal with diverse views around a large board of elected officials,” he said. “And then I know how to interstitch all of that with a government........

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