A Burnaby MLA says she would support David Eby, should he run in the upcoming BC NDP leadership race.
In a social media post, Katrina Chen (Burnaby-Lougheed and Minister of State for Child Care) says she would have "full faith" in Eby becoming John Horgan's successor a week after he announced his intent to resign from the orange party's big chair.
Eby is currently the Attorney General and minister responsible for housing in the Victoria legislature.
"So much respect for my colleagues. Honoured to be working alongside so many incredible and dedicated people," Chen wrote.
"I have full faith in @Dave_Eby [David Eby] and know he will make an incredible impact as leader of the @BCNDP."
Eby has not officially announced if he intends to enter the race.
Chen publicly supported Eby in a retweet caption to Ravi Kahlon's statement earlier today (July 6) that he wouldn't seek the leader's position.
The North Delta MLA and minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation explains, despite considering to throw his hat in the ring, he made the decision alongside his family.
"I want to thank everyone who reached out to provide words of encouragement as I considered seeking leadership of the @bcndp and Premier of the Province for British Columbia," Kahlon said in his post.
He adds after he had made the decision, he called Eby and encouraged him to seek the party leadership.
"David is someone who I admire, someone with integrity, passion and is the right person to be our next Premier and carry on the important work we are doing to build a #StrongerBC."
Horgan announced on June 28 that he would not be seeking re-election in the next B.C. election scheduled for 2024.
Horgan made the announcement after a two-day cabinet retreat in Vancouver, saying it’s traditional to reflect on the future at the halfway point of a term.
After two bouts of cancer — throat cancer in 2021 and bladder cancer in 2008, along with a recent case of COVID-19 — his energy is flagging, he said.
"It’s a very difficult decision. I’m not going to pretend it wasn't. I love this job."
Horgan said he believes his government is making a difference and has asked the president of the BC NDP to work on selecting a fall date for a leadership convention.
"But I know that my team can continue to do that without me, and so it’s time to exit when the new leader is picked and I’ll continue to find other ways to make a difference."
With files from Cindy E. Harnett, Times Colonist
