Stilwell to run for Liberal leadership
Posted November 22, 2010 11:58 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Premier Gordon Campbell has lost another cabinet minister, but it’s because she wants his job. Regional Economic and Skills Development Minister Moira Stilwell is the first Liberal leadership contender. She announced that she has quit her post to run to replace Campbell.
Stilwell, a radiologist and nuclear medicine physician, was elected in 2009. The Vancouver-Langara MLA says if she becomes premier she will ask BC’s Chief Electoral Officer to move up the date of the Harmonized Sales Tax referendum. “I think my entry into the race will help to create the kind of conversation between all the candidates that people want to see.”
Meanwhile, former Liberal cabinet minister-turned-Independent MLA Blair Lekstrom says he won’t be running for leader. He will, instead, focus on running to represent his Peace River South riding.
Lekstrom stepped down as Energy Minister and resigned from the Liberal caucus in June to protest the Harmonized Sales Tax.
The Liberals will vote on February 26, in a province-wide ballot to replace Campbell, who resigned earlier this month.
