Selina Robinson, Lana Popham, Josie Osborne not seeking BC NDP leadership
Posted July 18, 2022 1:51 pm.
Last Updated July 19, 2022 11:57 am.
Three more high-profile MLAs have announced they will not be looking to replace John Horgan at the helm of the BC NDP. Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson, Saanich South MLA Lana Popham, and Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne have decided against runs at the party leadership.
In a Twitter thread, Robinson said she seriously considered putting her name forward but “thinking ahead to what the next 5-8 years would look like in the context of my life I decided that I would pass on this opportunity and focus on my roles as MLA and finance minister.”
https://twitter.com/selinarobinson/status/1549118490660839425
Premier John Horgan announced last month he will step down after a new party leader is elected. Robinson says his stepping down “has prompted a bit of a grief reaction” for her.
“I have so appreciated all he has done for all of us.”
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Lana Popham also made her announcement on Twitter, albeit with a different tone.
Sharing photos of cows, a chicken, and beets, she tweeted:
“I’ve had a chance 2 discuss my political future & running 4 BC Premier. Some say “it’s a bad mooooove”. Others say, “cock-a-doodle don’t”. Finally I’ve heard “you can’t beet Ag Minister”
So my decision is…..no!”
I’ve had a chance 2 discuss my political future & running 4 BC Premier. Some say “it’s a bad mooooove”. Others say, “cock-a-doodle don’t”. Finally I’ve heard “you can’t beet Ag Minister”
So my decision is…..no! ????#bcpoli #ilovemyjob pic.twitter.com/LbzUBXJLOM— Lana Popham (@lanapopham) July 18, 2022
Land, Water and Resource Stewardship Minister Josie Osborne also announced Monday she will not run.
“I’m proud to serve as MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and be part of the #BCNDP caucus and Cabinet team that’s working hard for British Columbians every single day. That’s the work I’ll stay focused on as we choose our next @bcndp leader,” she posted on Twitter.
I’m proud to serve as MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim and be part of the #BCNDP caucus and Cabinet team that’s working hard for British Columbians every single day. That’s the work I’ll stay focused on as we choose our next @bcndp leader. (1/2) #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/2JcryRKslu
— Josie Osborne (@Josie_Osborne) July 18, 2022
The BC New Democrats will elect their new leader on Dec. 3, 2022. The campaign period started on July 17, with voting beginning “as early” as Nov. 13.
So far, no party members have stepped forward to announce a bid for the leadership.
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. Minister Josie Osborne has also been listed as a potential candidates.
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.
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.
“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.”
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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.
With files from Hana Mae Nassar
