WATCH: Five ex-BC Conservative MLAs form new party

Five of the MLAs who recently left the BC Conservatives have announced the creation of a new party.

Current members include Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and Á’a:líya Warbus.

A spokesperson told Sitka Media a name has not yet been chosen as they're waiting on approval from Elections BC.

"We're working hard, every day, to build the party British Columbia needs right now," Milobar said in a statement. "The support we've seen from across the province has been overwhelming, and people are stepping up to help us bring this party to life in a very short time. The appetite for it is undeniable. This will be a party for hard-working British Columbians: one that restores fiscal sanity to this province and positions British Columbia as a national leader in resource development and job creation."

Bird echoed his sentiments, arguing that the new party will be a "thoughtful alternative to the NDP."

"This party will be focused on the issues the NDP has neglected for far too long: the economy, healthcare, affordability, taxation and land rights," she added. "These are issues that shape the everyday lives of British Columbians."

Warbus warned that they have "at most, two years to be election-ready to defeat the NDP," and that "joining Peter and Ian is a commitment to making sure voters have a strong alternative when that election comes."

"British Columbians deserve a government that respects a dollar earned and doesn't punish people for working hard," Banman added. "I've spent my time in the Legislature fighting for common-sense policy and for the people who feel like Victoria stopped listening to them a long time ago. Joining Peter, Ian, Rosalyn and A'a:líya means we can do that work together as a team. British Columbians want options, and we intend to give them a strong one."

Milobar will serve as interim leader until an internal vote is held to determine who will be at the helm come October. With five seats, the party will be able to obtain official status in the legislature — and overtake the BC Greens as the third party.

The BC Greens told Sitka Media this will not impact their legislative privileges or funding.

"I'm less concerned about the drama the Conservatives and their offshoots are creating and more concerned that they’re a distraction from the urgent needs British Columbians are facing from an out of control affordability and climate crisis," leader Emily Lowan added.

Shortly after the news broke, Warbus sat down with Sitka Media to discuss the party's future, a potential name, and how it would fit in to BC's fractured political scene.

Watch the full interview here: