THE LIBERAL LEADERSHIP RACE

The next leader of the B.C. Liberal party won’t be named until Feb. 3, 2018, but already there are many people preparing to vie for the top job. The party wants candidates to submit $20,000 in fees by Monday to qualify to attend a reception at the party’s provincial council on Friday. It’s not a mandatory event, and some candidates intend to skip it.

Technically, the last day to declare a leadership bid is Dec. 29. However, the most realistic cut-off date is before the first mandatory leadership date on Oct. 15.

Beyond Andrew Wilkinson, here’s who else could be a factor in the race: Sam Sullivan (Vancouver-False Creek): The former mayor of Vancouver launched his bid Thursday, with several provocative platform planks, including providing clean substitute drugs for addicts, a new harmonized sales tax, charter schools and the sale of government liquor stores.

Dianne Watts: The Conservative

MP for South Surrey-White Rock announced Sunday her candidacy. Though popular in Surrey, Watts has not been active within the B.C. Liberal party.

Mike de Jong: The former finance minister and longtime MLA for Abbotsford West is mulling over whether to launch his second leadership bid. He ran in 2011 and placed fourth.

Todd Stone: Considered a young up-and-comer within the party, Stone is a former transportation minister from Kamloops. Though popular in some circles, he was also the face of unpopular government policies in Metro Vancouver such as the transit referendum and ride-sharing.

Mike Bernier: The MLA for Peace River South may at first glance appear to have a geographic disadvantage because he’s so far from riding-rich Metro Vancouver, but Bernier was raised in North Vancouver and as a former education minister he has a high profile across the province.