Speculation about his candidacy ended when an official campaign website went live. “Having worked side-by-side with David for years, there’s a reason 48 of his NDP colleagues in the legislature from every part of the province, and from different backgrounds, are supporting him in his leadership bid,” the website description reads. . On Tuesday morning, Eby teased the announcement when he tweeted, “Big announcement later tonight… stay tuned.” The attorney general is expected to address the media about his candidacy at an event at the Kitsilano Neighborhood House in Eby’s riding of Vancouver-Point Gray at 6 p.m. PT. The event was originally scheduled for 17:15 but has been delayed. Eby is widely seen as the front-runner — and possibly the only candidate — to replace Premier John Horgan as leader of the BC NDP and premier of British Columbia. The invitation did not include further details about tonight’s event, although signs are that Eby has announced his candidacy to succeed Horgan as leader. Big announcement later tonight…stay tuned. —@Dave_Eby
Horse racing with one horse?
In late June, Horgan announced he would step down before the next provincial election, scheduled for 2024. He cited a lack of energy after treatment for throat cancer, which he says left him cancer-free. Horgan’s impending departure has sparked speculation about who will take over the reins of the party and his government next. Labor Minister Ravi Kahlon had been expected to seek the post, but two weeks ago said he would not seek it and publicly invited his ministerial colleague Eby to seek it. As of Tuesday afternoon, no one had officially announced their intention to run to succeed Horgan. Finance Minister Selina Robinson has said she will not run, as has Health Minister Adrian Dix. Josie Osborne, the lands minister, passed, as did the municipal affairs minister, Nathan Cullen. Tourism Minister Melanie Mark says she will not run. Minister of State for Infrastructure Bowinn Ma also said no. Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen also decided to give it away. Eby has so far also declined to say, although today, that may finally change. The party says it will formally elect its next leader by December 3.
