Could Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield be contemplating a run at Liberal leadership?

Photo: Contributed

As the BC Liberals start the process of finding a new leader, it is possible Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield may be contemplating a run at the top job.

She was elected in her first foray into provincial politics in October, and was a surprise selection as the Liberal health critic in interim leader Shirley Bond's shadow cabinet.

Rumours circulating in Victoria suggest Merrifield may be kicking the tires of a leadership run.

When contacted by Castanet News, Merrified offered, "suggest away, no comment at this time though."

Meantime, the BC Liberals have established a leadership election organizing committee which will administer the leadership race as the party searches for a successor to Andrew Wilkinson.

The seven member committee will be co-chaired by former MLA Colin Hansen and lawyer Roxanne Helme.

The committee will determine the timeline for the election, establish rules to guide the race and implement the process by which party members will select the leader.

"The election of a new leader is an integral part of the renewal and rebuilding process that the BC Liberal Party and its members are currently engaged in," said Lindsay Cote, interim executive director of the BC Liberal Party.

"I want to thank the members of LEOC for dedicating their time and expertise to this extremely important process that will have a significant impact on the future of both the party and the province."