In a surprise move B.C. Premier plans his exit
By Nelson Daily Staff
By The Nelson Daily
In a surprise move Wednesday Gordon Campbell stepped down as Premier of B.C.
“After considerable soul searching and discussion with my family I have decided to ask the B.C. Liberal Party executive to hold a leadership convention at the earliest possible date to select a new leader for our party,” Campbell said in a hastily called press conference in Vancouver.
Campbell, who did not take questions from reporters, said now is the time to switch gears and have some new blood continue the process of leading the province.
“It’s time for a new person to lead,” Campbell said. “I am asking the party to move as quickly as possible to organize a leadership convention.”
“I intend to ensure a smooth and orderly transition,” added Campbell, who won three terms as Premier. “My goal is to return public attention to what is important to British Columbians – their jobs, their families and how government can best support them.”
Campbell has been premier since 2001. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2009.
Prior to leading the B.C. Liberal Party, he served on Vancouver city council starting in 1984, and was mayor between 1986 and 1993. He became the provincial Liberal leader in 1993.
He has been at the centre of controversy, both politically and personally. In Maui in 2003, he was arrested for drunk driving. He was fined $913 US.
In July 2009, Campbell announced the province would implement the harmonized sales tax (HST), which led to the resignation of one cabinet minister and Peace River South MLA Blair Lekstrom in June.
“It’s not always popular to do what you believe in your heart is right,” Campbell explained.
“But whether it was restoring B.C.’s economic leadership, leading the way on climate action, building a new relationship with First Nations, getting our fiscal house in order, opening up our Pacific Gateway or making our taxation system one of the most competitive in North America, it was always worth the effort and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
Campbell had previously said he planned to run for re-election in May 2013.
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