George Heyman told the Straight today (February 7) that he will not to run for leader of the B.C. NDP.

With the Vancouver-Fairview MLA’s decision not to enter the race, the field of potential candidates has further tightened.

On February 6, Kennedy Stewart became the last federal New Democrat MP to opt to stay away from this fall’s leadership contest.

It now appears that the contest will be among members of the provincial party’s legislative caucus, with Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth regarded as frontrunner.

“I don’t think the next leader has to be from within caucus, although that’s obviously an advantage,” Heyman said in a phone interview.

The first-term MLA indicated that he looks forward to working with someone who shares his vision of a vibrant economy that contributes to mitigating climate change and provides good-paying jobs.

“I have very definite ideas about the opportunity that the leadership race presents for the NDP to define itself in a way that can appeal to British Columbians,” Heyman said. “I think it’s very important that we make the case that we have a strong plan and vision for jobs and the economy, a new and modern and diverse economy that’s built on environmental values.”