On May 3, Burnaby South MP Kennedy Stewart told the Georgia Straight that becoming mayor of Vancouver would be a “dream job”.

A week later, the NDP politician announced that he’s going after the seat.

Stewart held a press conference downtown Thursday (May 10) to say that is running as an independent candidate.

Stewart also said that he will step down from the House of Commons in order to run for Vancouver mayor.

“I have decided to take up this new challenge in order to continue my fight for the environment, but also because of an overwhelming call from my supporters asking me to help battle the worst housing crisis this region has ever seen,” Steward declared in a statement.

A recent Research Co. poll shows that Stewart is in the top five list of prospective candidates favoured by voters.

The survey was topped by Vancouver Green councillor Adriane Carr with a 35 percent rating.

Vision Vancouver councillor Raymond Louie came in second at 19 percent; independent Jean Swanson, 17 percent; Non-Partisan Association councillor Hector Bremner, 11 percent; and Stewart, 10 percent. 

Stewart also told the Straight on May 3 that he and his wife live in downtown Vancouver where they rent a place.