Attorney General David Ibby announced Tuesday night that he will run for leader of the BC NDP.
Speculation surrounding his candidacy ended when an official campaign website went live.
“Having worked side-by-side with David for years, there’s reason 48 of his NDP colleagues in the legislature from every part of the province and from different backgrounds are supporting him in his leadership bid,” the site’s description reads.
On Tuesday morning, Eby teased the announcement when she tweeted: “Big announcement later tonight…stay tuned.”
The attorney general is expected to speak to the media about his candidacy at an event at the Kitsilano Neighborhood House in Eby’s riding of Vancouver-Point Gray at 6 p.m. PT. The event was originally scheduled for 5:15 p.m., but was postponed.
Eby is widely considered the front-runner — and possibly the only candidate — to replace Premier John Horgan as leader of the BC NDP and premier of British Columbia.
The invitation did not include further details about tonight’s event, although signs point to Eby announcing his candidacy to succeed Horgan as leader.
Big announcement later tonight…stay tuned.
—@Dave_Eby
A one horse race?
In late June, Horgan announced he would step down before the next provincial election, scheduled for 2024.
He cited a lack of energy after long treatment for throat cancer, which he said left him cancer-free.
Horgan’s impending departure has fueled speculation about who will take over the reins of his party and government next.
Employment Minister Ravi Kahlon was expected to seek the job, but two weeks ago said he would not and publicly urged his cabinet colleague Ibi to seek it instead.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no one had officially announced their intention to run to succeed Horgan.
Finance Minister Selina Robinson has said she will not run, as has Health Minister Adrian Dix.
Josie Osborne, the Lands Secretary, has moved on, as has Community Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark has said she will not run. Minister of State for Infrastructure Bowing Ma also said no. Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen also decided to skip it.
So far, Eby has also declined to say, although that may finally change today.
The party says it will formally choose its next leader by December 3.
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