Former MLA Kevin Falcon promises 'new chapter' after winning BC Liberal leadership
By Lone Sheep Publishing
Kevin Falcon is the new leader of the BC Liberal Party.
The former cabinet minister won the leadership on the fifth ballot, taking just over 52 per cent of the vote.
Legislature member Ellis Ross finished second with almost 34 per cent of the vote with BC Liberal colleague Michael Lee in third with 14 per cent.
Other candidates vying for the Liberal leadership job, Val Litwin, Gavin Dew, Renee Merrifield and Stan Sipos dropped out of the running during the evening.
“Today marks the start of a new chapter for our Party,” Falcon said in a media release following the conclusion of the leadership race.
“As I committed to at the beginning of my campaign, we need to work on a root-to-branch rebuild of the BC Liberals – one that embraces diversity, and offers a real vision on issues like housing affordability, affordable childcare, and the environment. I’m proud to have received a strong mandate to move the Party in this direction.”
The new BC Liberal Leader called on supporters of other leadership candidates to help with rebuilding efforts.
“Regardless of who you supported in this leadership race, I want you to know that you are welcome in the BC Liberal Party,” Falcon explained.
“If you believe that a private sector-driven economy is the best way to fund world-class public services, we want you in our Party. And if you believe that we need both compassion and competence to address the greatest challenges of our time, we want you in our Party.”
Falcon, 59, pledged to seek a seat in the legislature as soon as possible.
“Starting tomorrow, I will begin discussions with members of the BC Liberal Caucus to identify a seat to run in,” said Falcon.
“Once that seat becomes available, I will immediately ask John Horgan to call that by-election at the earliest possible time.”
Falcon previously held cabinet positions, serving as Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, and Minister of Transportation after first being elected in 200.
Falcon finished second in the 2011 leadership contest, losing to Christy Clark, who served as premier until the party lost power in 2017.
Falcon toured the Kootenay Region alongside former Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett, with visits to Nelson, Creston, Trail, Castlegar, and Cranbrook in October.
