Kamloops MLA says he won't put name forward for leadership of BC Liberals

Photo: Castanet Staff

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone

Thought to be one of the a handful of top contenders for leadership of the BC Liberal party, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone announced Thursday he will not seek the job.

Stone has previously put his name forward for party leadership, and it was expected he would do the same following the resignation of Andrew Wilkinson following last fall’s election results, which saw the BC Liberals lose 13 seats.

“The past few months have been a difficult time for our party,” Stone said in a statement.

“Following the resignation of our former leader, I have been carefully considering whether this was the right time for me to once again put my name forward for leadership of the BC Liberal party.”

Stone said he sought feedback from British Columbians but ultimately decided against seeking the party’s top job. He said he wants to spend more time with his family.

“While skiing with all three of my daughters over the recent holidays, I was struck by the reality that, within the next few years, two of them may be off at university ad that this period of our lives with all of us at home is nearer the end than the beginning,” he said.

Stone said he looks forward to continuing to represent the Kamloops-South Thompson riding in Victoria.