It’s official.
Attorney General David Eby has officially announced his bid to become the province’s next premier.
To date, no other candidate has tossed their hat in the rind, and Eby has the support of 48 of 57 members of his caucus, making it practically inevitable it’s a race he’s likely already won.
I'm proud to be running for leader of the BC NDP. Join my team https://t.co/cCJ8KUiFLk
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) July 20, 2022
Last month, Premier John Horgan announced he would be resigning from the top spot due to health reasons, following two bouts with cancer.
Horgan’s five year career as Premier has been filled with ups and downs, with the announcement coming shortly after Horgan announced the provincial government would be scrapping the $789 million Royal BC Museum rebuild.
In 2020 and 2021, Horgan received the highest premier approval rating of all premiers in Canada.
In November 2021, Horgan confirmed a growth in his throat had been determined to be cancerous following a surgery to have it removed.
“As we reach the mid-point of our second term, it is clear the tasks ahead of us are enormous and will require a leader focused on the next two years and beyond. A second bout with cancer and dozens of radiation treatments has led me to take stock,” said Horgan in June.
“I am proud to say I’m cancer free. While I have a lot of energy, I must acknowledge this may not be the case two years from now.”
Following the announcement, many had already assumed 44-year-old Eby would be Horgan’s successor.
On Tuesday evening in Kitsilano—part of Eby’s Vancouver-Point Grey riding— he announced his intention to join the race in front of caucus colleagues and family.
As part of his decision to run, Eby resigned as Attorney General on Tuesday.
All potential candidates have turned down the opportunity to take on Eby, including Jobs minister Ravi Kahlon and BC Finance Minister Selina Robinson.
The deadline to join the party and be eligible to vote in the leadership is Sunday, September 4th.The final candidate list will be available the following month.
Horgan’s replacement is expected to be formally declared on December 3rd, however, if no other candidate enter the race, the party could decide to not hold a final vote, making Eby BC’s 37th premier.
