British Columbia’s New Democratic Party has officially announced a leadership contest to choose Deputy Premier John Horgan.
Saturday’s announcement comes two and a half weeks after Horgan announced he would retire before the 2024 provincial election.
Horgan said he would step down as leader in the fall, explaining that his second bout of cancer had left him with little energy for the job.
“I look forward to seeing the candidates put their names forward for this important job, representing the values of the New Democrats and serving the great people of British Columbia,” Aaron Sumekheltza, president of the BC NDP, said in a statement.
Sumekselca said the party’s elected leadership bodies have ratified the leadership election rules and the campaign period will officially begin on Sunday, July 17.
The voting period could begin as early as November 13, with results and a new leader expected by December 3.
Who is the next?
Some of the speculation about who the new leader might be was put to rest on July 6 when Employment Minister Ravi Kahlon, who had been tipped as the favorite to take over, withdrew his name and backed Attorney General David Eby.
BC political strategists initially expected a two-person race between Kahlon and Eby, and while Eby has yet to officially mount a campaign, many consider him the front-runner.
Several MLAs have already backed Eby, but he could face opposition from Lands Secretary Josie Osborne and Finance Minister Selina Robinson.
The party says former cabinet minister Elizabeth Kuhl has been appointed chief electoral officer and will oversee the leadership race.
Applicants must be NDP members in good standing, show a genuine interest in serving as leader and submit their application along with the $15,000 entry fee by Tuesday, October 4 to participate in the leadership contest.
Anyone who wants to join the BC NDP as a member and be eligible to vote in the leadership election must register by September 4.
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