B.C. NDP fires starting gun on race to replace Horgan

B.C.’s next premier and NDP leader will be selected on Dec. 3, the party announced Saturday.

Leadership candidates have until Oct. 4 to enter the race and must pay a fee of $15,000, according to party rules released on the weekend.

Premier John Horgan, 62, announced June 28 that he won’t seek a third term in the job, citing health struggles following his bout with throat cancer. He will stay on as premier until his replacement is selected.

The campaign period officially begins today.

Candidates have until Sept. 4 to sign up new members as the party’s constitution requires individuals to be members for at least 90 days in order to vote for the leader. The voting period will begin on Nov. 13 and the results will be announced on Dec. 3.

The election date late in the year gives candidates more time to sign up new members but gives the new leader little time to influence the 2023-24 budget, which is released in February.

To run for the leadership, a candidate must be a member of the party in good standing for at least 90 days prior to the leadership election date, eligible to stand for election to the B.C. legislature and demonstrate a genuine interest in seeking the leadership and serving as the leader of the B.C. NDP.

Former NDP cabinet minister Elizabeth Cull will serve as the chief electoral officer for the leadership race.

Attorney General David Eby is the presumed front-runner after tackling tough files, including money laundering, overhauling ICBC and pushing local governments to approve affordable housing.

Eby told Postmedia News on Thursday he was waiting for the rules to be announced before making an announcement about his candidacy.

Finance Minister Selina Robinson said she is still considering whether to throw her hat in the ring.

Several other cabinet ministers have said they aren’t running, including Ravi Kahlon and Bowinn Ma, who are giving their support to Eby.

Nathan Cullen, Rob Fleming and George Heyman have also ruled out a run.

“For his last 17 years as an MLA and five as premier, John Horgan has shown what’s possible when elected officials put people first and fight hard to make life better for everyone,” B.C. NDP president Aaron Sumexheltza said. “I look forward to seeing the candidates who put their names forward for this important job representing New Democrat values and serving the great people of British Columbia.”