BC NDP announces leadership contest dates to replace John Horgan

The BC New Democrats have announced a new leader will be elected later this year, on Dec. 3, 2022.

The NDP is holding a leadership contest to replace John Horgan, who announced in June that he was stepping down once a replacement was chosen. The campaign period is set to start Sunday, July 17, with voting beginning “as early” as Nov. 13.

So far, there’s only been speculation as to who will seek the top job.

Attorney General David Eby has been perceived to be one of the frontrunners, with his name widely circulated as a potential candidate. However, he has not confirmed whether he plans to throw his hat into the ring.

Ministers Selina Robinson and Josie Osborne have also been listed as potential candidates, as have many other women in the NDP.

Ravi Kahlon, a top figure with the BC NDP, announced earlier this month that he would not be running to take the leadership role. Nathan Cullen has also confirmed he will not be entering the race.

However, there’s also the potential for an outsider to come in and try for the position of premier.

Horgan has been the leader of the NDP since 2014. He was sworn in as premier of British Columbia in July of 2017, and is currently the MLA of Langford-Juan de Fuca.

In announcing his plans to retire, Horgan said he came to the decision alongside his wife after much reflection.

“Many of you will know, in fact I’m pretty sure it’s not a secret, that I have gone through my second bout of cancer and successfully went through 35 radiation treatments and I am currently cancer-free. My health is good but my energy flags as the days go by,” he said.

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“So before I could ask my colleagues what their plans were for the coming two years and beyond, I had to ask myself that,” the premier continued. “We came to the conclusion that I’m not able to make another six-year commitment to this job and as a result I’ve asked Aaron Sumexheltza, the president of the BC NDP, to work with our governing body, the provincial council, and the executive, to select a date in the fall for a leadership convention.”

Horgan announced late last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer again after he discovered a lump in his neck. He finished his treatment in January.

The next provincial election is set for 2024.