The race to become the next leader of the BC NDP — and ultimately premier of BC — is no longer a one-horse race.
Former federal NDP candidate and climate activist Anjali Appadurai, 32, officially announced Wednesday that she will challenge David Ibe, who stepped down from his role as attorney general and housing minister, for the top spot.
Appadurai, director of campaigns for the organization Climate Emergency Unit, said she chose to enter the race after a group of supporters pledged more than $40,000 in an online meeting Saturday night – enough to cover her entry fee.
“I think the people of British Columbia are ready for a leader who will tell them the truth.” We are in a very dangerous situation. But I believe in our collective power to shape a different future,” said Appadurai.
She said her campaign will focus on the environment, clean energy, housing, food security and caring for communities.
“Our province is not healthy. People are not healthy and the land is under stress,” said Appadurai. “We need a government that will prioritize the health of people and the planet.
BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai works as the Director of Campaigns for the Climate Emergency Unit. (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)
In the 2021 federal election, Appadurai was the NDP candidate for the riding of Vancouver Granville. She lost to liberal Taleeb Nurmohamed in one of the country’s most contested races, trailing by less than 500 votes.
Appadurai will face Eby, whose campaign has so far been unchallenged, winning the endorsement of 48 of the 57 BC NDP caucus members.
In a statement, Eby welcomed Appadurai to the race.
“I look forward to engaging in a productive dialogue on the issues that matter most to British Columbians. This competition is an opportunity for a healthy exchange of ideas and a chance for members to have their voices heard through the election process,” he said.
“I wish her luck, but not too much.”
In June, Horgan announced he would step down before the next provincial election, citing a lack of energy following treatment for throat cancer.
Voting for the new leader will begin on November 13, and the winner will be announced on December 3.
Uphill battle for Appadurai, says expert
Eby announced he was seeking the leadership in mid-July. Before that, he had long been talked about as a potential candidate and favorite.
Hamish Telford, associate professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley, admits it’s likely to be an uphill battle for any contender.
“He’s got a very substantial lead … Now she’s really going to have to play catch-up and get known outside of downtown Vancouver activist circles, but across the province,” Telford said, adding that she likely faces a significant fundraising challenge a challenge.
BC NDP leader candidate David Iby received the support of 48 caucus members. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
While it is unclear whether Appadurai will be able to close the gap, Telford says he will intellectually challenge Eby and the party.
“It’s going to be a battle of ideas,” Telford said, pointing to Appadurai’s environmental and activist background.
He predicted she could prove an attractive option for BC NDP members who have felt let down by the government’s environmental record since the approval of Site C, the LNG project and the old logging site.
Saanich North and Islands Green Party MLA Adam Olsen is keen to see how Appadurai’s leadership challenge will shake up discussions in the environmental race, saying Eby represents the status quo.
“For many years, the BC NDP was seen as good enough for the environment, and clearly good enough is not good enough.
“I’m really looking forward to that debate happening in the leadership race.”
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