Premier Gordon Campbell denies B.C. Liberal caucus revolt led to resignation

Outgoing B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has rejected the suggestion that pressure from his caucus motivated his decision to step aside as leader of the provincial Liberal party.

Speaking to reporters this morning (November 4) during a news conference at the premier’s office in downtown Vancouver, Campbell also lamented the type of attacks faced by those in the province who enter public life.

The premier said involvement in public life means “you take the good and you take the bad”.

“The challenge is when the things that are said about me are visited on my nephews, my nieces, my sons as they were growing up,” said an emotional Campbell, expanding on comments he made yesterday that his family “paid a price” for his career in politics.

“We should all know, in Canada, public life is a huge gift that we’ve been given,” he added. “And it’s important for people to be willing to serve. I think that we all have to look to raise our game. I think everyone’s got to recognize that.”

Campbell said everyone loses when people are discouraged from seeking public office because of the “commentary that takes place”.

“Frankly, it doesn’t matter what political party you’re from. I can think of very, very, very few people, if any, that run for public office thinking they’re going to try to do bad things to the province or bad things to the country. And we have to learn how we have discussions about things without personalizing.”

The premier also rejected the suggestion that pressure from his caucus led to his decision, announced yesterday, to ask the executive of the provincial Liberal party to hold a leadership convention as quickly as possible.

“I’ve been leader of the party for 17 years,” he said. “I’ve always had support of caucus. We’ve always had a caucus that is open and frank with one another.”

Comments

3 Comments

DebS

Nov 4, 2010 at 8:33pm

who can believe what he has to say...but I guess he is sticking to his story that the public were responsible. I for one, am proud of that...if the public can chase corrupt officials out of office...it means were doing something right:)

Cornelius

Nov 5, 2010 at 9:27pm

Only one former BC Liberal got out alive, Blair Lekstrom. He had the guts to get off of the sinking BC Liberal ship. The good news here is that Gordon Campbell is clearly intent on dragging all the BC Liberals down with him.

Some say Campbell will spend the next 6 or so months handpicking his successor. Just like Russia's Putin did with Medyedev.

The good news for the NDP is that the longer GC stays connected to the BC Liberals, the easier it will be for the NDP to get elected in 2013.

Gordon Campbell now appears a desperate person who will try anything to maintain control. This is a very sad situation for us all.

james green

Nov 8, 2010 at 4:28pm

If they didn't revolt they are as crazy as Gordon. We are between a rock the NDP and a hard place the Liberals.
Do we have to keep voting for the best of the bad or can a new party for the people be formed and work for the people of this province and not for big unions and or bifg business. We need a democratic party that will act for the public good and interest. What shall we do?