Labour Minister Harry Bains won’t run for Surrey Mayor
Posted January 7, 2022 2:14 pm.
Harry Bains, a prominent NDP MLA and Labour Minister, has announced he won’t be running to become the mayor of Surrey when the civic election rolls around in October.
He told the Surrey Now-Leader on Thursday he was intending to run, but did an about-face the next day, saying on Twitter he’d rather stick with provincial politics.
While I thank the people in the community who urged me to run for Mayor of Surrey in the next municipal election, I remain committed to the province and making a stronger BC through my work as an MLA & in cabinet. I am so incredibly humbled by the support from community members
— Harry Bains (@HarryBainsSN) January 7, 2022
His decision might come as a shock to voters in the city, who have elected him time and time again. Bains has lived in Surrey for most of his life, and has served as an MLA since 2005.
While I thank the people in the community who urged me to run for Mayor of Surrey in the next municipal election, I remain committed to the province and making a stronger BC through my work as an MLA & in cabinet. I am so incredibly humbled by the support from community members
— Harry Bains (@HarryBainsSN) January 7, 2022
One columnist, Frank Bucholtz, theorized Bains running for mayor would have split the vote. Now that he’s stated his disinterest, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern, with few confirmed candidates.
Read Related: NDP MLA Harry Bains considers Surrey mayoral run
Mayor Doug McCallum is running for re-election, and Coun. Brenda Locke is also in the race.
