Rivals of Gordon Campbell eye possible by-election in Vancouver–Point Grey
The man sometimes referred to as the “mayor of Kitsilano” is anticipating a by-election in the Vancouver–Point Grey constituency of outgoing B.C. premier Gordon Campbell.
If this happens, Mel Lehan is likely to toss his hat in the ring again as a New Democrat candidate for the seat. “I’m considering running,” Lehan told the Straight by phone. “I probably will run.”
On December 5, Campbell hinted that he may step down as an MLA after his party chooses a new leader. “I think it’s very difficult to stay on in caucus when you’ve been the leader for 17 years,” Campbell told reporters.
B.C. Liberals will vote for a successor to Campbell on February 26. According to Lehan, a by-election could be held as early as August if Campbell vacates his seat in February.
In the May 15, 2009, provincial election, Lehan fell 2,314 votes short of defeating Campbell.
Stephen Kronstein garnered 2,012 votes as the Green candidate in Vancouver–Point Grey in the same election. On November 9, less than a week after Campbell announced his resignation as premier, Kronstein told the Straight by phone that he may run in a future election.
Comments
5 Comments
vc
Jan 5, 2011 at 5:04pm
Imagine a moment in BC political history when the Greens and the NDP united, just for a single bi-election, and stood together behind a single candidate. If its Lehan, so be it, even if thats hard for the greens to take. But together, a coalition of greens and NDP could beat a Liberal in a Kits bielection.
This could seriously shake the foundation of the Liberal Party in 2011, and perhaps even spark interest among a younger generation, showing that our political system isn't completely broken. This Province needs it.
do this, get votes ...
Jan 5, 2011 at 5:54pm
Mel,
Hint, many voters are incensed at the B-Lines which have seriously degraded the air quality on the B-Line route and which don't belong the #9 trolley bus route. The horrendous noise from the B-Lines has resulted in many complaints to TransLink and the COV. Nepotism rules and TransLink has many friends in the government, nothing is happening. Go after TransLink to run streetcars instead of the B-Lines, get many votes, guaranteed.
glen p robbins
Jan 5, 2011 at 8:01pm
Will Christy run in Point Grey or even stay on in politics with the BC Liberals if she doesn't win the leadership. Has this been asked recently Charlie?
If not - why not?
The political industry in this province is really amateurish -- by design - or is this as good as it gets?
NPD Supporter
Jan 5, 2011 at 10:08pm
Shyeah, right. Lehan lost to Campbell by more votes (and percentage wise) in the 2009 election than he did in 2005. Lehan's just about as electable as Sam Sullivan. Time for Lehan to step aside once and for all, and allow an NDP candidate to challenge in Vancouver Point Grey (David Levy, anyone?) who has a real chance to restore the riding into the NDP column.
good luck
Jan 6, 2011 at 10:10pm
Come out to Point Grey and spend some time chatting with the locals at the Starbucks on W. 10th and Tolmie Street, across the Safeway, on a Saturday if you have time.